Richard Junior Hakes

Richard Junior Hakes Richard Junior Hakes died peacefully at his home after a lengthily illness with heart and kidney disease January-17-2012. He was born on May 29 1929 at home to Ethel (Earl) and William Hakes in Eckford Township. He moved to Homer, MI in 1939 where he made it his home until 1973. He joined the army in 1946 and was stationed in many places all over the world. One of his favorite memories was celebrating News Year in Time Square during his service years. He was honorably discharged August 24, 1949 where he then returned to Homer MI. Richard and Marjorie (Hower) were united in marriage on July 1, 1973 in a small ceremony in Coldwater MI, and made their home in Marshall MI, where they have resided for the last 38 years. When Richard was a young boy he worked on a milk truck route and this started his love of driving. Richard became a Semi-truck driver and made this his career until his retirement in 1992. He worked for various companies and won many safe driving awards during his career. Richard loved history of all kinds it was one of his passions in life. He read many books and watched every documentary about the US and World History. He had on his own theory on the assassination of JFK and when he visited Dallas, he went to the grassy knoll and proved his theory to all of the family. Richard and his beloved wife Marge loved to dance, camp and refinish antiques together. Richard loved sports and his favorite team was the Green Bay packers, he loved Michigan but his loyalty was with Green Bay. He will be buried with his Green Bay coat to show is love and loyalty to the team. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie; his step children, Dale (Etta) Petroff of Virginia, Shelly Petroff of Tekonsha, Jayette Petroff of Texas, and Kevin Petroff of Marshall; his son, Brian Hakes of Florida. He is also survived by brothers, Paul Hakes and Melvin (Betty) Hakes, and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Mildred Taylor, Pauline Snooks, Linda Cornell, and Nancy Styles; sister-in-law, Margret Hakes; stepson, Craig J. Petroff; mother-in-law, Dorothy Vollgraff; and best friends, Bill Snyder and Willie Ward. Richard was a kind and gentle man who was loved very dearly by his family. All of his step children and their extended families think of him as their father and grandfather. We will miss you so much. Richard, you fought a valiant fight but now you can finally rest. Our love goes with you always. Visitation will take place at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home on Friday from 2-8 pm with family present from 2-4pm and 6-8 pm. A graveside service will take place at 1 pm on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at the Lyon Lake Cemetery with Reverend Len Schoenherr officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fountain Clinic or to Saint Jude Hospital. Assistance with memorials is available at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guest book at www.kempffuneralhome.com