Forest William Kenyon, age 83 of Lake City passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids.

Forest was born August 24, 1933 in Butterfield Township of Missaukee County to Thornton and Helen (Outman) Kenyon. He was an only child.

He attended Merritt High School, going to work for his uncle cutting pulpwood and driving truck. At age 15, he started rodeoing every chance he got. Forest was a veteran of the US Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. He bought a semi truck and hauled pulpwood, later hauling gravel trains and worked in the oil fields.

He married the former Marion Louise Rinckey March 5, 1957 in Lake City.

He competed in rodeo, winning several championships and sportsmanship awards. He loved bear hunting, coon and bobcat hunting and fishing and taught his children the same sports. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed being in the out of doors. He enjoyed building barns and pens for his horses and dogs.

Forest was a member of various hunting groups and rodeo associations and the American Legion Post #300 of Lake City. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW in Marion

Forest’s greatest pleasure was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In later years he enjoyed cooking and especially making sour dough pancakes for all the grandkids and great grandkids.

Forest is survived by his wife Marion and his children: Vera (Brian) Craig of McAlester, OK, Lonnie (Joyce) Kenyon, Larry (Pat) Kenyon, Faron Kenyon and Lori Wienel all of Lake City. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Jason, Cole, Luke, Levi, Randy, Teia, Travis, Janel, Tiffany and their spouses and thirteen great grandchildren: Isla, Roman, Lacey, Robyn, Alex, Nikita, Thatcher, Wyatt, Brandon, Kayden, Ashtyn, Isabella and Devin, as well as many nieces and nephews, brother in law Donald Rinckey and sister in law Mildred Hall.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother in law: Arthur and Vera Rinckey and a grandson Tyler Kenyon, and in laws: Carl and Alice Rinckey, Alvin Keely, Doris and Don Bradley, Chris Rinckey, Clarence Hall and several uncles, aunts and cousins.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Young Funeral Home with Rev. Eugene Baughan officiating. Visitation will be Friday, March 24, 2017 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Star City Cemetery at a later date with Military Honors by the Legion Post #300 of Lake City.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

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