Dix W. VanDaff

Dix W. VanDaff Battle Creek Dix W. VanDaff, 92, died peacefully and went to be with his Lord & Savior on Tuesday evening, June 2, 2009 at the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on January 28, 1917 the son of James and Mabel (Smith) VanDaff. Dix served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1945 to 1946. He retired from Schaffers Bakery in 1981 after more than 20 years of faithful service and had previously been employed by Shedd's and Layman Life Insurance. Dix married the love of his life, Fay Ellis in Kalamazoo on February 3, 1940; she survives. He is also survived by his children, Kathy (Larry) Bales, David (Vicky) VanDaff, Tom (Kathy) VanDaff, all of Battle Creek, Mark (Gail) VanDaff of Augusta, Tim VanDaff of Connecticut and Karen (Mark) Arnett of Battle Creek; a son-in-law, Bill Atwell of Dexter; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Gracia (Bryan) Guise, and a sister-in-law, Polly VanDaff. Dix was preceded in death by his parents; a son, James VanDaff; a daughter, Connie Atwell; a brother, John VanDaff and a sister, Mary Clark. Dix was a loving & dedicated member of the North Avenue Church of God. He was an avid U of M football fan and enjoyed fishing, gardening, baking and spending time with his family. At the request of the family, they will receive friends 2:00-6:00 p.m., Sunday, June 7, 2009 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Funeral services to celebrate Dix's life will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 8, 2009 at the North Avenue Church of God, 1079 North Ave., Battle Creek. Interment with military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Donations made to the church or the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence, would be appreciated. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.