Douglas E. Bernath

Douglas E. Bernath, age 68, of Marshall died Saturday afternoon, September 16, 2006 at his home.Mr. Bernath was born on January 30, 1938 in Reading, Michigan to Harold and Annabel (Post) Bernath. He was a graduate of Waldron High School, class of 1956. Following his graduation, he enlisted into the United States Army. On July 29, 1961, he married the former Leonora Traves in Concord. The couple moved to the Marshall area in the mid 1960''s. Doug had been employed by the State Highway Department for 30 years, retiring in 1994 as an assistant foreman. He then went to work for the Calhoun County Road Commission, retiring in 1997.Doug loved to go camping and was a member of the Rainbow Chasers and the Cheerful Campers camping clubs. He was also a member of the Wrongway Thars square dance club. He enjoyed going to old tractor shows, especially the ones that featured John Deere and International tractors. Doug was an enthusiastic NASCAR fan, throwing his support behind the race teams of Bill Elliott and Mark Martin.He is survived by his wife, Leonora (Traves) Bernath; daughters, Anna (Doug) Vahs of Ceresco, Cindy Hakes and Brenda Bernath both of Marshall and Ellen (Jon) Faurot of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Justin Hakes and Emily Vahs; step-grandchildren, Brittney Preston and Brandon Faurot; step-mother, Edith Bernath; sister, Delores Preston, Step-sister, Mary Blythe; half-sister, Dorotha Jenkins; bother, Floyd Allion; step brother, Wesley (Betty) Wells; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, Ben Allion; grandson, Heath Bernath; and step-brother, Marlin Wells.The family will receive friends at the Kempf Funeral Home on Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 and Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00. A funeral service will be held 1:30 Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment to follow in Pulaski Cemetery. Memorials are to the American Diabetes Association.