Richard Coleman Avery
Richard “Dick” Coleman Avery, 75, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024, at home with his family nearby. He was born March 12, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, to W.K. and Margaret (Fraser) Avery. Dick married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Martens, on December 21, 1968.
He worked for Grand Trunk/Canadian National Railroad for almost 40 years as a truck driver/heavy machine operator. He credited his successful marriage to working long hours on derailments and snow removal, having no time for fights. Over the years, he enjoyed fast cars, volunteering at the Bellevue Rescue Squad as an EMT, crewing for the Kandi II hot air balloon (only on the ground – he would not ride in it), working in his yard, volunteering at the Leila Arboretum, and driving his restored 1949 Ford Truck. For many years, Dick also enjoyed going to the local restaurant to “stir the pot,” but it was well known that if anyone needed help, he was always willing to lend a hand.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; son, Darren (Katy) Avery; daughter, Amanda (Paul) Hubinsky; grandchildren, Gwendolyn, Josephine, and Coleman Avery; and his special cat, Smokey, who sat with him and watched TV.
A visitation was held at Kempf’s of Bellevue, 205 N. Elizabeth Street, Bellevue, MI 49021 on Friday, February 16, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A memorial service began at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Dale Williams officiating. Immediately following, Dick will be escorted in his restored 1949 Ford Truck to the graveside service at Riverside Cemetery, 201 N. Main Street, Bellevue, MI 49021.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Bellevue Fire Department, 115 East Jackson St., Bellevue, MI 49021; Centrica Care Navigators (Hospice), 7100 Stadium Drive Kalamazoo, MI 49009 or at https://centricacare.org/giving/; or Kalamo United Methodist Church, 1475 South Ionia Rd., Vermontville, MI 49096.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave. SW., Battle Creek, MI 49015. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.