Richard and Ilene DeBaun
Richard DeBaun, age 87, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, September 27, 2024. He was born April 9, 1937, in a farmhouse near Garrett, Indiana, to Raymond and Helen (Brown) DeBaun joining his twin siblings, Conrad and Jacqueline. In 1941, the family moved from Park County, Indiana, to Charlesworth, Michigan. A short time later, they moved to a 180-acre farm outside Olivet. Along with farming, they operated the DeBaun Dairy supplying milk locally. As a young teen, every morning prior to school, his mother drove the delivery van and Dick rode on the back delivering milk door to door. He graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of 1955. His father, as school board president, presented him his diploma. All through school Dick was a drummer in school bands and upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. Basic training was at Fort Leonardwood, MO. After completion he was sent to Fort Sheridan, IL as a member of the 5th Army Band, then he transferred to Fort Carson, Colorado, becoming a member of the 9th infantry division band. Dick completed his service with the Michigan National Guard in Charlotte.
Ilene DeBaun (Rice), age 83, of Bellevue, Michigan passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, September 28th, 2024. She was born August 8th, 1941, at Gensterblum maternity home in Portland, Michigan to Elon and Ruth Rice (Lyon). At the tender age of 3 months, she went with her parents to deer camp in Lewiston, Atlanta area staying warm and cozy in a tent. At the age of 12 years old, she was able to hunt by herself after many years of shooting. Ilene and her family went hunting every season and would bring school assignments while away during hunting season. Pheasant hunting with her dad was one of her most memorable moments. She attended Moyer School through the 8th grade and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1959. After graduating High School, she started working as a secretary for a short period of time.
Shortly after… Richard & Ilene met…
On June 25, 1960, Richard DeBaun married Ilene Rice at the Congregational Church in Olivet. They purchased 80 acres south of Bellevue and raised their three children- Scott, Andrea, and Craig.
Dick played drums with many dance bands at Moose and Elk clubs, Narrow Lake Ballroom, and private parties. After the dance scene, Dick spent 12 years with the Stage Band for the theater productions by the Bellevue Village Players. After military service, he worked for a brief time at Minor Walton Elevator in Charlotte. He retired in 2000 after 42 years at Airway Manufacturing, holding various positions. The last position Dick held there was in research and development which included traveling with a buyer and rebuilding machines.
Ilene was a stay-at-home Mom for more than 20 years. She spent time cooking, canning, gardening (vegetables and flowers), hunting, skinning and cleaning deer and tending to the children. In 1980, Ilene began her career at Olivet College as Administrative Assistant to the Athletic Director. She enjoyed being a support person for all coaches, staff, students and parents. In 1993 she was recognized for her work when she was presented with the John J. Shipherd award by the senior class for service to the students. She retired from Olivet College in 2004 after 24 years of service.
Dick and Ilene enjoyed traveling but spending time with family was most important. An old bread van was converted into their first motorhome for a trip to Colorado Springs with their three kids, all under 7 years of age. Later years found both sets of grandparents joining Dick and Ilene with their rigs for adventures in the Canadian Rockies and Nova Scotia. Later years found their kids and their youngsters joining in a far newer motorhome with Canada as a favorite destination. They also took several bus tours throughout the years. One treasured trip is when their kids honored them with a trip to Puerto Rico to celebrate 50 years of marriage.
Dick enjoyed videotaping his grandkids’ school and athletic programs, sometimes forgetting to turn the camera off. Often, you would also find Ilene behind her many cameras, sometimes snapping pictures at the most inconvenient times. A large vegetable garden was tended every year by the entire family for more than 50 years.
Richard and Ilene DeBaun celebrated their last wedding anniversary of 65 years on June 25, 2024.
Richard and Ilene DeBaun are survived by their children, son, Scott (Peggy Schnepp) DeBaun, daughter, Andrea (Ronnie Mutter) DeBaun-Mutter; grandchildren, Danielle McIntyre, Deven (Kelley Lehman) DeBaun, Craig (Kaitlin) Markwart, Nicole (Andrew) Fleming; great-grandchildren, Landon Markwart, Mason Markwart, Karmen McIntyre, Natalie Fleming; Richard’s sister, Jackie Marr and several extended family members. They were predeceased by their parents, Raymond & Helen DeBaun, Elon and Ruth Rice, Richard’s brother, Conrad DeBaun and their son, Craig DeBaun.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Cary Grant officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Lee Center Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Richard and Ilene’s memory to the charity of their choice.
To view Richard and Ilene’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.