July 31, 1935 — Feb. 21, 2016

Kermit B. Ivens, 80, of Jones, died peacefully Sunday evening, Feb. 21, 2016, in Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.

He was born July 31, 1935, in Decatur, Michigan to Harold and Pearl (Stafford) Ivens. He married Carol Eleanor Bryant June 21, 1957, in Cassopolis, Michigan. She preceded him in death in 2012 just a few days before their fifty fifth wedding anniversary. Kermit’s family remembers that during their mom’s illness, their dad was there every day for her. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Helen Singer; and one brother Carroll Ivens.

Kermit enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids and great grandkids. He enjoyed watching them play sports. (He also liked watching models on “The Price Is Right.”) He liked fishing and hunting. Kermit enjoyed farming and driving his 1206. He liked a good meal followed by a great dessert (or two). Kermit will be remembered for his gentleness and his good humor and his impatience to “Git R Done.”

Kermit will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by three daughters, Vicki (husband, Ronald, Sr.) Christopher of South Bend, Kelley Ivens of Cassopolis, Angela (husband, James) Pompey of Dowagiac; three sons, Kermit Duane Ivens of Lady Lake, Florida, Edward Ivens of Jones, Randall (wife, Regina) Ivens of Grand Rapids; twelve grandchildren, Tilyne Prater of Cassopolis, Ronnie (wife, Jessica) Christopher, Jr. of Cassopolis, Shane Ivens of Elkhart, Michael Ivens of Elkhart, Ricki McNary of Dowagiac, R.C. Ivens of Elkhart, B.J. Baucom of Kalamazoo, Kirk Baucom of South Bend, Talina Baucom of Dowagiac, Kaylin Ivens of Cassopolis, Aaryn (husband, Delshawn) Wicker of Cassopolis, and Aleighah Ivens of Cassopolis; 22 great-grandchildren; sister, Ruth (husband, James) Newton of Cassopolis; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016, from 4 until 8 p.m. in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway St., Cassopolis. The Funeral Service will be held Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Mr. Ivens will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Carol, in Poe Cemetery in Jones, Michigan.

The family of Kermit B. Ivens expresses their sincere gratitude for the care given to their father, grandfather and great grandfather by the staff of Cass County Medical Care Facility.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.