Rodney Clark Kenyon

many and reciprocated that love in all that he met.

Rod was born on July 27, 1933 to Arthur and Angeline (Williams) Kenyon in Middleville at the family

homestead. Growing up in the Great Depression he soon realized a little meant a lot, with 3 older

siblings. He graduated from Thornapple Kellogg School in 1951 and on July 15, 1952 he enlisted in the

Navy. During leave from boot camp on October 11, 1952 he married his school sweetheart from 2nd

grade Carol Schenkel, sharing 63 years of marriage together. His naval career during the Korean War

embodied a radioman to an Admiral, thus being assigned to 22 ships in 21 months, honorably

discharged on May 7, 1954 as a National Defense Service Medal recipient.

He returned from his service with the Navy to work at the family business, Central Garage in

Middleville, with his father Art and brothers Bob & Bill. In 1960 he started Central Auto Parts (NAPA)

growing the business to 4 locations in Middleville, Hastings, Caledonia and Lake Odessa. He celebrated

his retirement from the automotive business in 1998.

Rodney was a lifetime member of Lions Club International, serving in Middleville MI and Eagan, MN.

In the former club, he was a charter member in 1955, proud of his accomplishments of establishing

Middleville Lions Spring and Sesquicentennial Parks, and playing Santa Claus for over 20 years in the

annual Christmas parade. Rod loved a parade, having organizing many including the 1984 Middleville

Sesquicentennial parade, lasting almost 4 hours. He was also a lifetime member of American Legion

Posts 305 (Caledonia MI) & 1776 (Apple Valley MN).

In 2012 Rod and Carol moved to Minnesota to be closer to the VA Healthcare facilities and family.

Rodney is survived by his children, Craig (Kathy) Kenyon, Thomas (Meg) Kenyon, Christine (Charles)

Schram; grandchildren Brett (Nichol) Bremer, Kelly (Patrick) Lewis, Kirby (Josh) Weeber, Shelby Kenyon,

Cortney (Matt) Xiong, Cody Schram, Claire & Carly Kenyon, Lisa (Dan) Cooper, Kelly (Dave) Cichon, 15

great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law Neva Kenyon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carol, siblings Charlotte (Rodney) Finkbeiner,

Robert (Donna) Kenyon, William Kenyon, brothers-in-law William (Jean) Schenkel & Fred (Sandy) Schenkel.

A celebration of life service is planned for late summer or early fall 2021, pending public health

guidance of COVID gatherings.