Obituaries
Kermit Denton
Mr. Kermit Denton, age 82, of Bellevue, Mich., passed away Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Rose Arbor Hospice, in Kalamazoo, Mich.
Kermit was born in Dayton, Tenn. on December 4, 1938, a son of the late Wilma (Purser) and Ernest Denton. He attended local schools, graduating from Rhea County High School in 1956. The day after graduating high school, the family began the process of relocating to Bellevue, Mich., where Kermit’s father built the family’s new home.
On July 15, 1961, Kermit married Bettie Webb. Later the couple purchased Kermit’s childhood home, and raised their family together in the Bellevue area.
Kermit began his working career as a Valve Grinder at Eaton’s Manufacturing in Battle Creek until the company closed. He continued his career as a mechanic with Clark Equipment in Coldwater, where he worked faithfully for over 15 years. Kermit spent a short time employed at the Bellevue Hardware, before retiring in 2000.
During his spare time Kermit enjoyed raccoon hunting with many of his good friends, and, over the years, he held various offices, including serving as the president of the Wolverine State Coon Hunters Club where he was a lifetime member.
Kermit and Bettie loved watching their grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports, and rarely ever missed a game. After retiring, the couple enjoyed traveling and spent countless hours traversing the United States. It was not uncommon for them to load up the pickup truck and simply start driving with no particular direction or destination. One particular trip to the Western United States, Kermit and Bettie covered over 9,000 miles in three weeks.
When they were not traveling, Kermit enjoyed spending time on the water fishing. Bettie would often join him, packing a lunch and a good book, so the couple could enjoy time together on the water.
Kermit and Bettie enjoyed a beautiful Christian faith and heritage which they passed to their children. The couple have been faithful members of Nashville Baptist Church where they have attended for over 41 years. Their church family and fellowship was always something they cherished and enjoyed.
Kermit is survived by his beloved children, Lisa (Bill) Hartman, sons Lynn (Lori) Denton, Larry (Denise) Denton; sisters-in-law, Joyce Randall, Jill Webb and Judy Denton; brothers-in-law, Gary (Judy) Webb, and Gilbert Douglas; eight grandchildren;13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Bettie.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at The Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, Mich. with Pastors Lester DeGroot and Deano Lamphere officiating.
The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the memorial service, beginning at 1 p.m., until service time.
Memorial contributions can be made to Huntington’s Disease Society of America or a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements have been made through the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit their web site at danielsfuneralhome.net.
John R. Efaw
John Richard Efaw of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 14, 2021 at the age of 90. John was born in Marion County, W. VA, June 25, 1931, the son of John and Mary (King) Efaw. He worked for Owens Illinois in Charlotte for over 30 years before retiring. John was a former member of the Eaton Rapids Nazarene Church and the Charlotte Church of God. His hobbies included reading, attending church activities and tin working.
John is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Schrum of GA, Anita Mire of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Lucas, and Chanda Schrum, Cassondra Mire; five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine; son-in-law, Eli Mire; four brothers and one sister.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 19, 2021, at Perry Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences, www.millsfuneral.com.
Linda M. Walker
Linda Mae Walker, of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 11, 2021 at the age of 60. Linda was born in Chicago, Ill. November 17, 1960, the daughter of Edwardo and Caroline Valin. She worked for ROI Group Home as a caregiver for 35 years before retiring. Linda enjoyed reading, walking, riding her bicycle, listening to Christian music, and loving on her dogs, Sadie and Kuddles.
Linda is survived by her husband, Mark Walker; daughters, Shelley (Mark) Lewis of South Haven, Mich., Heidi (David Berg) Klug of Bangor, Mich.; six grandchildren, Heather, Autumn, Kristie, Star, Sierra and Mikey; two great-grandchildren, Landon and Courtney; siblings, Lyle Fredrickson of Eaton Rapids, Robert (Evelyn) Westfall of Hastings, Cindy (Bobby) Landry of Holt, Valerie (Mark) Burgess of Eaton Rapids, Carol Rattigan of Oklahoma City, Mary Leffel of Wis., Brycella (Allen) Roth of Fort Wayne. She was preceded in death by her parents and first husband, Gary Reeder.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021 at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Interment followed in Rosehill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW National Home for Children. Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.
Kevin D. Darnell
Kevin Daniel Darnell, of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 9, 2021, at the age of 61. Kevin was born in Howell, Mich., August 1, 1959, the son of Clarence and Lillian (Bunker) Darnell. He was a 1978 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Kevin worked with Farm Bureau for four years and Decra-Loc for nine years as a paving stone strapper. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, collecting toy tractors, farm scenery and model cars. He loved the time he was able to spend with his family and friends.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Paula Darnell; daughter, Clarice Glennie of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Tiffini (Jeramy Smith) Darnell, Samantha (Thomas Belcher) Holbrook, Nicole (Michael Richards) Holbrook, Shannon Holbrook; five great-grandchildren, with another on the way; brothers, Ronald and Ray Darnell; sisters, Lois (Dave) Clark, Karen Roebuck and Ila (Larry) Collins; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Clarence, Terry and Lyle Darnell.
No services are planned at this time. For those desiring to make a memorial contribution, they may be sent to the family in care of the Mills Funeral Home. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit MillsFuneral.com to place online condolences.
Shirley J. Campbell
Shirley Jean Campbell, loved and cherished by many, passed away on July 6, 2021. Shirley, 83, was born on April 15, 1938, in Olivet, Michigan to Leslie and Wilma (Oteney) Mott. Shirley attended Olivet High School and met her lifelong sweetheart, Gerry Campbell. The two married young and would be celebrating their 66th anniversary this August. The young couple had four boys in rapid succession and were involved in their many sporting and school activities. Shirley was a den mother for Cub Scouts, as well as her career working for the state/county for 24 years. She was a natural at so many things; fly fishing, golfing, and card playing. Once their sons grew and their family expanded, to welcome daughters (never in-laws), she was also a wonderful and loving grandma. She enjoyed camping, campfires in the back-yard, and spending winters in Florida, even though she hated being away from her Michigan family.
Shirley is survived by her beloved husband, Gerry; sons, Leslie (Rebecca), Randy (Marilyn), Lonn (Tina), Doug (Mary); 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; siblings, Anthony (Doris Graul) Mott, Laurel Mott; sisters-in-law, Susan Mott, Wilma Campbell; brothers-in-law, George David Campbell, Brian (Sharon) Campbell; and so very many nieces and nephews that she had the talent to make them feel as though they were her favorite.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents; her husband’s parents, George and Beatrice Campbell; brother, Richard “Dick” Mott; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Mott, Sheila Mott, Judy Campbell, and Edna Spaulding Campbell; brothers-in-law, Norman and Daniel Campbell.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 11, 2021 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Lee Center Township Hall, 23045 21 Mile Road, Olivet, MI 49076. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Oaklawn Hospice. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Shirley on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.