Aug. 28, 1939 —Sept. 22, 2015

Van (Ish) Livingston, Kentwood, Michigan, left this world peacefully and entered into the presence of his Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015.  He suffered a stroke while attending church on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015.

Van was born in Tichenor, Arkansas on Aug. 28, 1939.  In 1962 he married the love of his life, Nellie Stevens in Marcellus, Michigan.  They lived in Dowagiac, until 1989 when they moved to Wyoming, Michigan.  Prior to his retirement, Van was a truck driver and diesel mechanic at VL Watkins Trucking in Jenison.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nellie Livingston (nee Stevens),  daughter, Susan Livingston (Chris Vogt), of Portage, Michigan; siblings, Walter R. (Lutie) Livingston, Bradford, Arkansas,  Ilda Kean, California, Melvin Rieves, Arkansas, Juanita (Hyatt) Humphrey, KY, sister-in-law Ronna Livingston, Florida, 26 nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Iva (Ayers) Livingston, and brother Farrell Livingston.

Van always had a smile and a quick funny comeback to all.  He would say “give me some skin and grin” when he shook someone’s hand.  He was able to repair most anything he set his head to and was always willing to teach anyone that asked how to repair a vehicle or fix something at home.  He enjoyed watching John Wayne movies and the Detroit Tigers.

A celebration of life will be held Oct. 3, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Madison Ave Missionary Baptist Church, 5757 Madison Ave, SE, Kentwood, MI 49548 followed by a luncheon.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Madison Avenue Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, 5757 Madison Ave, SE, Kentwood, MI 49548.