La Verne "Verne" DeYoung

LaVerne DeYoung, fondly known as "Verne, dad, Papaw/Paps", loved his life. Happily married to his one true love, the proud father of four children and the doting grandfather of snine grandchildren and four great grandchildren, he lived each day as though it was the best day of his life. Verne was a very humble man with a big heart, which continually blessed the lives of all those around him.

Verne was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on November 5, 1931, during a difficult time in America's history, the Great Depression. Despite the economic hardships of the era, Verne's parents were able to provide a healthy and stable home for their family. His father earned a living working on the railroad, while his mother stayed home, caring for their family; Verne was the third of four children. Verne had a wonderful childhood, perhaps not with a lot of material things, but it was always full of love. He had a great respect for his parents, especially his father, who was truly his hero as a child. Having a secure childhood gave Verne the freedom to dream and focus on his life's ambitions, which was simply to do good and positive things. He was not a materialistic kind of guy and enjoyed the simple things in life that others might take for granted. However, he always had a gleam in his eye for a shiny new car.

Verne was a good student throughout his academic career and graduated from Lee High School in Grand Rapids. In 1951, Verne enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served for three years, receiving his honorable discharge in 1954. He then returned home to Grand Rapids and entered college at Davenport Institute, where he earned a Certificate in Accounting in 1956. He also completed the Dale Carnegie Course in Leadership Training a year later. An outgoing guy and friend to many, Verne had the type of personality that everyone loved to be around. In fact, while at Davenport, he was even elected homecoming king.

With a good education under his belt, Verne then started EPI, Inc. located on Dickman Road as a co-owner in 1959. It was during this time that Verne saw the love of his life, Bonnie L. Fields, dancing and he knew then she was the one for him. As a dance instructor, Bonnie was an excellent dancer, however, when Verne asked her to dance on that first night, she politely said she only danced with "good" dancers. Determined to win her heart, Verne found out where Bonnie taught and immediately signed up for lessons. The couple was married on April 16, 1960, in Bellevue, and has been happily dancing together ever since.

Verne and Bonnie are the proud parents of three daughters, Lisa, Bobbie and Jamie, and one son, Shawn. Later in life, they fully enjoyed their role as doting grandparents to nine precious grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Verne always took great pride in his children and grandchildren's successes and accomplishments in life, regardless of how big or small they were. His love for them was unconditional and without end. By example, he taught them to work hard, have humility and kindness towards others, and most importantly, "never, never, never give up", a motto that Verne himself lived by.

Verne was so very thankful for all the blessings in his life, and he made sure to share this joy with others, helping them to feel the promise present in their own lives. He inspired everyone he met to be a better person and to live every day to its fullest extent. Verne used to say, "accentuate the positive", and with this resolve, he never coward in the face of adversity and always saw the good in everyone. Verne embodied the true Christian spirit with his kind, forgiving nature and his strong sense of conviction. It wasn't out of character for Verne to perform a random act of kindness to someone in need. Often times, he would buy 4H cattle at the county fair auction, then turn around and have the meat processed and give it back to the family that raised it.

Besides being a devoted husband, father and friend, Verne also valued his community and was active in several civic organizations. He was a member of the Committee of the Heritage Society, Advisor for the Southwest Michigan Council for Boy Scouts of America and served as FOS Chairman for the Guardian Breakfast in Battle Creek. Furthermore, Verne was the Chairman of Celebrity Breakfast for the Food Bank, a member of the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce Board and on the Board of Directors of Sherman Lake Camp. He sponsored numerous ball teams for children and was a major sponsor of the Harper Creek High School Athletic Facility, as well as a driving force in the revival of the Stan Musial baseball tournament. If that wasn't enough, Verne also served on the Committee for the Bailey Baseball/Softball Complexes and was a Wall of Fame recipient at Bailey Stadium. With his ever-positive outlook, Verne was a motivational speaker for youth and Battle Creek Foundation Seeds of Growth. In recognition for his selfless contributions to his community, Verne was awarded the Boy Scout Silver Beaver Award and the James E. West Award in 2004. He also received the Visionary Award from the Michigan SIDS Alliance.

With a warm gleam in his eye and two thumbs up, Verne encouraged everyone around him to truly enjoy, cherish and celebrate every moment that life had to offer. His life and his work are an inspiration to all. He will be greatly missed.

LaVerne H. "Verne" DeYoung, 74, of Battle Creek, MI, died Thursday, November 10, 2005, in Calhoun County Medical Care Facility. Verne is survived by his wife, Bonnie L. (Fields) DeYoung; three daughters: Lisa M. (Robert) Swims of Battle Creek, Bobbie S. (Brian) Lincoln of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Jamie L. (Tim) Brock of St. Joseph, Michigan; a son, Shawn L.(Michele) DeYoung of Battle Creek; grandchildren: Hunter and Coleton Swims, Billie (Michael) LeSure, Robbie (William) Webster, Zach, Dakota and Payton Brock, Skyler and Grayson DeYoung; great grandchildren: Devon and Lenox LeSure, Andreas LeJohn and Dayton Webster; and a brother, Robert DeYoung of Holland, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his sister, Doretta Zandstra, and brother, Milton DeYoung.

At the request of the family, friends may call after 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 13, at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, where they will be received by family from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 14, at the First Wesleyan Church, 14425 S. Helmer Road, with Rev. Robert Zuhl and Duane Stewart officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers a memorial contribution be made to the Verne and Bonnie DeYoung Family Fund with the Battle Foundation. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or make a memorial contribution in Verne's memory.