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March 7, 1935 – March 31, 2020

H. Dewayne Aven, 85, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Tuesday March 31, 2020.

He was born March 7, 1935, in Abingdon, Virginia, to Howard and Margie Aven.

He married Joyce Elaine Gilchrist Oct. 7, 1957, in Cassopolis. After more than 61 years of marriage, she preceded him in death Nov. 12, 2018.

Dewayne moved to Cassopolis prior to seventh grade and met, Joyce Gilchrist, his bride to be at a church roller skating party. He participated in high school sports and learned his love of woodworking in shop class. Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Germany as a welder.

Dewayne and Joyce traveled extensively in Europe during his three-year tour. After his honorable discharge from the Army, they returned to Cassopolis to raise a family. He started Aven’s Dairy Service and served the community for almost 20 years. He then transitioned back into welding at K&M Manufacturing from 1980 to 2000.

Dewayne was a skilled welder having worked on many of the sculptures in the area including the pieces in front of the building.

Dewayne had a deep love for his Savior Jesus Christ and shared his faith even until his last days at Healthwin. He and Joyce were vital members of the Cassopolis Church of God, Volinia Baptist Church and Community Church of Edwardsburg. He was active with softball as a coach, player, and spectator. Dewayne was a Sunday school leader, participated with Awana and held various church leadership positions.

Dewayne and Joyce were active in Cassopolis school’s sports for more than 50 years. He played football and ran track in high school. They attended many games, mentored students and were Cassopolis’ number one fans. He was an assistant coach for girl’s junior varsity softball. He chaperoned many dances and Joyce was the bookkeeper for Cassopolis Public Schools for more than 15 years. They led and participated in the Class Reunions for the Class of 1955 and 1956.

Dewayne and Joyce cherished family and were devoted parents and grandparents. They attended every concert, church dedication, pageant, play, sporting event, parade and high school and college graduation. He shared his love of woodworking by creating gifts and assisting with various home projects that will last a lifetime.

Dewayne’s joyful spirit and humor will be greatly missed by family and friends.

He is survived by one daughter, Kerrie (Ronnie) Bass, of Edwardsburg; two sons, Ken (Melinda) Aven, of Edwardsburg, Kevin (Ann) Aven, of Noblesville; two sisters, Martha Aven, of Abingdon, Virginia, Eva Spears, of Orlando, Florida; one brother, Johnny Aven, of Abingdon, Virginia; seven grandchildren, Logan Aven, Jacob Aven, Griffin Aven, Beth (Leif) Werner, Chelsea (Nick) Yoder, Justina (Aloysius) Schmucker, Daniel Bass; eight great-grandchildren, Tristan Werner, Ronan Werner, Charlotte Yoder, Ava Yoder, Avan Schmucker, Aloysius Schmucker, Camden Schmucker, Madelyne Schmucker; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, JoAnn Minnick.

The family will observe a private funeral service.

Mr. Aven will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Cassopolis. Family and friends will gather at a later date for a celebration of life.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Dewayne be made to either Cassopolis Athletic Fund c/o Cassopolis Public Schools, 725 Center Street, Cassopolis, MI 49031 or Community Church of Edwardsburg, 28647 US-12, Edwardsburg, MI 49112.

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