Willard Love

Willard Love, age 97 of Bellevue, passed away May 21, 2016 at Bronson Battle Creek.He was a twin, born April 19, 1919 in Olivet, Michigan to Scott and Henrietta (Ely) Love. Willard spent his life doing what he loved most, farming. One of his greatest enjoyments was repairing tractors and machinery for anyone who asked. A piece of wire, a wrench and a hammer had things up and running in no time.On June 26, 1943, Willard married the former Vivian Marshall, also of Bellevue.The couple later purchased one of the farms his parents owned and they live there until their deaths. In 1959, he started working for the State of Michigan at Fort Custer State Home and later transferred to the Coldwater State Home, retiring in 1984.After retirement came more farming, travel, farming, hunting, farming, family get-togethers, farming and restoring an antique Ford. Willard was known for surviving freak accidents that would be the end of a lesser person. He attended Bellevue Christian Center and was proud to show off the gold-headed cane that was presented to him by Bellevue Lions Club to the oldest resident of Bellevue Township.Willard is survived by daughters, Anne Lightfoot of East Leroy and Susan Love of Bellevue; six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; sisters, Charlotte Swartz of Bellevue and Phyllis Jones of California.He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian; son, Charles, parents, Scott and Etta, brothers, Owen, Herb, Wilbur, Ned, and Jack; sisters, Eleanor, Eloise, Margaret and Marie.The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 from 2 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM at the Craig K. Kempf Family Funeral Homes, Lehman Chapel, of Bellevue. A funeral service to celebrate the gift of his life will be held 11 AM Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the Bellevue Christian Center with Pastor Danesh Manik officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.Friends who wish may make memorial contribution to the Bellevue F.F. A. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.To leave a personal message and sign the online guest book, please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com...