Obituaries
Richard Ralph Kenyon
Richard Ralph Kenyon, 80, of Charlotte, MI passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Richard “Dick” was born May 31, 1942, in Glennie, Michigan, the son of William and Viola Minnie Martha (Moran) Kenyon. A few years after high school, Dick served in the United States Marine Corps as a radio telegraph operator. In June 1963, when he returned home on his first furlough, he married Nancy Marie Pakosz. They were married for 59 and a half years and raised three sons. Dick cherished time spent with his family and friends and enjoyed countless trips back to Glennie, MI, for family reunions, deer hunting and extended gatherings. He was a Diesel Mechanic for Penske Trucking, retiring after 28 years of service. A perfectionist at heart, Dick was always lending a helping hand and much needed advice on the family’s home and car projects. He was known to be meticulous in his work and enjoyed any challenge that was brought his way. He always seemed to have just what was needed to get the job done.
He is survived by his wife (Nancy Pakosz); three children Richard (Teresa Mauer), Roger (Lisa Laverty), Randy (Ondrea Job); five grandchildren Trevor (April Kammrath) Kenyon, Brittany Kenyon, Cameron (Lexie Nenortas) Kenyon, Lyle Kenyon, and Eli Kenyon. In addition, his siblings Delores (“Bake”) Papp, Don (Lois Krieg) Kenyon, Janet Walker, twin brother Robert (Catherine Sanborn) Kenyon with many wonderful nieces and nephews and countless lifelong friends. He is preceded in death by his parents William and Viola (Moran) Kenyon and siblings Russell, Max, and Melvin.
Friends are encouraged to support Richard’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family will receive visitors from 1-2:30 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home on Friday, January 13, 2023. All are invited to stay for a Life Celebration service at 2:30 p.m. The memorial will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Richard’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dennis J. Baker
Dennis J. Baker, PhD, 79, passed unexpectedly on December 18, 2022, at his home in Olivet, Michigan.
Dennis was born June 3, 1943, and was raised in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Dennis received his doctorate in Chemistry from the University of North Dakota. He taught chemistry for many years at Olivet College. After retiring, he stayed in Olivet. Dennis was always interested in the sciences.
Dennis is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Mike Bricker of Fort Collins, Colorado. Dennis is predeceased by his parents, Francis, and Kathryn Baker, and by his little sister, Judy.
Dennis will be buried in the Olivet Cemetery. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Frederick Carl Detering
Frederick Carl Detering, 81, of Nashville, MI passed away on December 30, 2022. He was a Carpenter/Mechanic with Heart & Truss Engineering. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home, Inc.
Emerson Charles Hogan, Jr.
Emerson Charles Hogan, Jr., 92, of Charlotte died peacefully at his home on Friday, December 9, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born November 8, 1930, in Dunkirk, IN, the son of Emerson and Ada (Bishop) Hogan. Emerson married Phyllis Lou Simmons on March 17, 1956. They were married for 64 years before her passing in 2020. He voluntarily enlisted in the Navy and proudly served his country from 1951-1959 before his honorable discharge. Emerson worked as a Mold Maker for Indiana Glass in Dunkirk, IN before he was relocated to Owens Illinois in Charlotte, MI. He enjoyed his life, family, and friends. In his younger years he enjoyed fishing, tinkering on cars, gardening, and spending time with his grandkids.
Emerson is survived by his daughters, Cheryl (Jim) McPherson of Montpelier, IN, Deb Hogan of Charlotte; son, Bill Hogan of Charlotte; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Della Gregory of Yorktown, IN. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Phyllis.
Hogan was a character and will be missed by many. His wishes were to be cremated and no services will be held at this time. A graveside service for Emerson and Phyllis will be held at a later date at the Gardens of Memory in Muncie, IN. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Harold Palmer Gray
Harold Palmer Gray, 90, of Charlotte, a man greatly respected for his integrity and honor, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Born in Kawkawlin, MI on October 11, 1932, to Glen and Pearl (Jonas) Gray, Harold graduated from Eastern High School in 1950 and married the love of his life, Lauralyn Puffer, in December of 1951. An excellent Tool and Die maker, he crafted his skill over the years as he worked for Oldsmobile, GM, Fisher Body, Demmer Tool & Die, Olofsson’s Machine Tools Inc., and Cameron Tool & Die. The Grays spent eight years as Managers of Tecumseh Woods Lutheran Church Camp in Tipton, MI. Team One Chevrolet was his most recent employer, retiring from there at the age of 80. A member of Peace Lutheran Church for 30 years, Harold spent lots of time there volunteering for different projects and enjoying time with his church family.
While Harold was a skilled tool and die maker, he was also adept at many other things and a “jack of all trades,” which was great since he always liked to be busy. He was very proud of his 1929 Oldsmobile 2-door sedan that he restored. Other activities that kept him busy included woodworking (making jewelry armoires for his girls and toy boxes for all his grandchildren), playing pool, working on plumbing and electrical, he loved to hunt, and enjoyed the outdoors and long bike rides. His sense of humor was very quiet, he had a lifelong affliction with paronomasia (go look it up).
Harold is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lauralyn; his daughters, Jan (Randy) Bruce, Sue (Richie) Johnson, both of Charlotte, and Amy (Stephen) Arneric’ of Leander, TX; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 830 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Peace Lutheran Church in honor of Harold Gray. Memories on Harold may be shared on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.