Obituaries
Fred Loren King
Fred Loren King, age 95, of Charlotte passed away doing what he knew best, working. Fred was born April 2, 1928, in Jonesboro, Illinois the son of Nathaniel and Myrtle (Pender) King. Fred grew up during the depression and soon established an unbeatable work ethic. He began working on the family farm at age six hauling wood and doing chores. At the ripe old age of nine years old he got his first job off the family farm at a local sawmill hauling sawdust. Fred would tell that in those days everyone worked doing whatever they could to help earn a living for their family. On June 29, 1949, he married Norma Jean McLane in Jonesboro, Illinois. Fred worked the majority of his life as a maintenance/boiler engineer at Charlotte Public School. He was one of the founding members of the Eaton County Educational Credit Union, which started at the old Charlotte High Schools. He was a devoted Christian and founding member of Calvary Baptist Church.
Fred is survived by his children, Brenda (King) Thomas of Flint, Darlene (Tim) Leever of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Fred King of Charlotte; grandchildren: Jason (Arlene) King, Steven (Stephanie) King, Destiny (James) Forward, Joshua King, Elizabeth (Chuck) Eagan; 8 great grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Elkins, Ruth Spiller; sister-in-law, Tia King; brother-in-law Henry (Vicki) McLane; sisters-in-law Pat Parrent and Clara Dobbs; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Norma; grandson, Caleb King; daughter-in-law, Shirley King; siblings: Roy (Myrtle) King, Betty King, Geneva (Walter) Jackson, Richard King; and brother-in-law, Raymond (Geraldine) McLane.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Potter officiating. Burial took place at West Carmel Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Fred’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church, 825 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Fred’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
M. Douglas Burkhead
M. Douglas Burkhead, age 89, passed away at his home in Ft. Myers, Florida in the early morning hours on Saturday, September 2, 2023. He was born August 8, 1934, in Battle Creek the son of M. Donald and Irma (Irish) Burkhead. Doug grew up in Charlotte and Olivet. He went on to graduate high school from St. John’s Military Academy in 1952. After high school he attended Olivet College and Worsham College where he obtained his degree in mortuary science. On June 16, 1956, he married Marguerite Louise Green at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. Doug and his family proudly served the Olivet and Charlotte communities for many years. The Burkhead Funeral Home was established in Olivet in 1909, by Maurice D. Burkhead, who was Doug’s grandfather. Originally it operated as a furniture business/funeral home. They also operated an ambulance service out of the funeral home. In January of 1968, Doug purchased the business from his father. He along with his wife Marguerite operated the funeral home until 1980. Doug also proudly served as the Eaton County Coroner for several terms as did his father before him. He was also a volunteer on the Charlotte Fire Department, served with the Charlotte Rotary Club, and the Shriners for many years. Doug loved his family with a deep devotion and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his daughters, Sabrina (Kurt Feikert) Burkhead of Traverse City, MI, Lizabeth (Michael Schaefer) Riebow of Traverse City, MI, Danielle (Kevin) Kenworthy of Fort Myers, Florida; son-in-law, Barry Riebow; grandchildren, Spencer (Ashley) Riebow, Taylor (Alex) Favreau, Kailee Kenworthy, Kasside Kenworthy, Keaton Kenworthy; great grandchildren, Lucy Riebow, Etta Favreau; brother-in-law, Charley (LeAnn) Green of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Susan Carpenter of Whitehall; sister, Jean (Allen) Fine of Florida; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Margueritte.
Funeral services were held on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home at Millerburg Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Doug’s memory to the Charlotte Fire Department, 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.To view Doug’s obituary online or to leave your condolences for the family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Dianne Kay Johnson
Dianne Kay (Howard) Johnson of Charlotte passed away September 4, 2023, at the age of 78. She fought a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease and lived out her final days at home with the care of family and special friends from Residential Home Hospice Care. Dianne was born August 22, 1945, in Charlotte to Donald and Leona (Royston) Howard, and graduated from Charlotte High School. In 1964 she married Winston Johnson and together they embarked on many amazing adventures.
Growing up a farmer’s daughter, Dianne was very proud to be able to work in the Michigan Lottery office for 35 years. She and her husband enjoyed many trips on their touring motorcycle and pulling a camper. They also enjoyed motorcycle races and other venues. With a beautiful flower garden, there was always lots to keep her busy at home as well, but she always found time for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the champion peanut butter fudge maker for all special parties, whether it was at home or at work.
Dianne will be remembered as a very giving and loving wife and mother. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Winston; daughter, Barbara (Scott) Werner; grandchildren, Justin, Austin, and Gage; and great-grandchildren, Linkin, Triton, Sophia, Emmet, Ellie, and Aiden; siblings, Yvonne Roll, Ron (Jamie) Howard, Bill (Barb) Howard; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerry (Deanna) Becktel, and Larry (Christine) Johnson Reynolds; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Bradley Johnson; her parents; and brothers-in-law, Gary Roll, and Gregory Johnson.
Friends are encouraged to support Dianne’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Dementia Society of America or the American Parkinson Disease Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Danford Murray Byrens, Jr.
Danford Murray Byrens Jr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 27 at the home of his daughter Sue who lovingly cared for both Dan and his wife, Emily, for nearly two years. Dan was born on November 13, 1932, in Buffalo, New York, to his parents, Gladys Evelyn Wade Byrens and Danford Murray Byrens, Sr.
His was an athletic family with both his parents working as gym teachers and coaches and his brother David excelled in several sports. Dan generally pursued other interests, but he was, at one point, the backstroke champion of his school. He also achieved the lifelong goal of obtaining his pilot’s license in the mid 1970’s.
Dan lived his life surrounded by music, a love that he shared with his late wife, Emily Frances Hills Byrens who passed away Christmas Day, 2022. He started taking organ lessons in high school and obtained an undergraduate degree in Organ Performance from Oberlin College in 1954. He then moved to New York City where he attended Union Theological Seminary and met his future wife, Emily. Both received their Master of Music degrees in Sacred Music.
Dan is survived by his brother, David and Paula Byrens of Oakland, California, seven children: Margaret and Kent Kuiper of Bellevue, Dr. David and Kim Byrens of Marshall, Dan and Kim Byrens of Duck Lake, Robert Byrens and Jerome Nickels of Grand Rapids, Steve and Sonia Byrens of Marshall, Sue and Mike Wilson of Marshall, and Tracy Byrens of Hampton, Virginia. Dan and Emily found tremendous joy in their extended family of 32 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
Dan and Emily shared their musical talents with many church congregations around the country including Olivet Congregational Church, The First Congregational Church of Battle Creek, Saint Thomas Episcopal Church of Battle Creek, Trinity Episcopal Church of Marshall, as well as churches in Tennessee and Alabama.
Dan was a much-beloved professor at both Kalamazoo and Olivet Colleges, where he directed choral ensembles as well as teaching organ, music history and theory. He and Emily also led vocal student ensembles that performed in various churches throughout Europe. After retiring from Olivet College, they accepted positions at Silliman University in the Philippines where they taught sacred music. Upon returning to the states, they relocated to the Uplands Retirement Community in Tennessee. There, they continued their legacy of performing sacred music in the Congregational Church, as well as conducting and playing for both church and community choirs. They eventually returned to Marshall to be near family.
Dan was a gifted yet humble man, a gentle soul and a servant leader who was admired by many and deeply loved by his family, friends and students. Dan’s family will hold a private celebration at a later date. If you feel moved to honor his memory, please make a contribution to The University of Olivet in his name.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, or to leave the family condolences.
Frederick Dale Bannister
Frederick “Fred” Dale Bannister of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on August 30, 2023, at the age of 80. Fred was born on July 4, 1943, in Seymour, Indiana. He was the son of Lloyd and Evelyn “Ellin” (né Engel) Bannister. He and his younger brothers were raised at the VFW Home in Eaton Rapids. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1961, then extended his education through a trade school to become a mechanical engineer.
Fred began his professional journey with Ream Manufacturing, later joining Gilbert Commonwealth; ultimately concluding his career in 2010 as an engineer with the Board of Water and Light. He traveled to various states throughout his career, and even lived in Egypt for a few months.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Fred was known for his vibrant social spirit. He relished the camaraderie of his friends over morning coffee at McDonald’s. He was an enthusiastic golfer, and also found joy in fishing during his leisurely moments. He loved visits from his family on the weekends.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers Sam and Lloyd Bannister, and his sister, Nettie Bannister.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Josephine “Jo” Bannister; his sons and their wives, Fred (Jr.) and Lisa Bannister, Craig and Dawn Bannister; and his daughter and her husband, Cathy and Craig McManus; as well as his grandchildren Craig Bannister, Jr., Cassie and husband Brandon Wheeler, Caroline McManus, Carmella McManus, Nathan Bannister, Justin Bannister; and great grandchildren, Jonathan and Michael Wheeler. He is also survived by one brother, Kenny Bannister and his wife Dede.
A memorial gathering will be held at a later date, for information contact Jo Bannister. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.