Donald LeRoy Kennell

Donald LeRoy Kennell East Lansing Donald was embraced by the open arms of Jesus on August 22, 2009, at the age of 66. Born in Evart, Michigan and partially raised in Sault Ste Marie, then graduated from Owosso High School in 1961. He was a graduate of Michigan State University and proudly served our country in the Army as a Sgt. Tank Commander and Heavy Weapons Infantryman. He served 27 years in law enforcement, Shiawassee County Sheriff's Department, St. Johns Police Department, and retired as Detective Sgt. from Clinton County Sheriff's Department. Upon retirement, he drove school bus for Okemos School District for 13 years, and was currently employed as a driver for Enterprise Car Rental. He loved to hunt, fish, spend time at "the cabin" and harass his family, friends, but especially his grandchildren. He was a member of the NRA, the American Legion Post #502, Faith Church of Lansing and the Global Outreach Missions Board. He served our Lord by working on numerous missions trips. In May of this year he went to Israel to walk the Bible. He is loved by his family, mother, Dorothy Kennell (Ervin H. Kennell-deceased) of Owosso; wife, Sandra M. Smith-Kennell; daughters, Michelle (Scott) Carie and Jessica of Elsie and Cyndi (Tim) Lasher and Alex, Samuel and Megan of Parchment; sons, Joel (Kimberly) Smith and Carlie Jo and Jessica of Laingsburg, Bryan (Kathy) Smith and Karah and Justin of DeWitt, Brendon (Kathryn) Smith and Jordon, Katelyn and Alex J. of Zeeland, and Donald "Paul" (Kelly) Smith and Nathan and Kailee of Lennon; brother, Robert (Janet) Kennell of Vernon; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and special friends. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 26, 1:00 p.m. at Faith Church, 2300 Lake Lansing Road, Lansing with the Rev. Chris Hinterman, officiating. Graveside services will be held Thursday in Maple Valley Cemetery, Evart, Michigan. The family will receive friends at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday at the Church 1 hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Faith Church Missions or to Kingdom Builders Ministry for "My Fathers House: in honor of Donald Kennell.