Wendell Dean Free

Wendell Free, age 73, “today I lost the love of my life and best friend” when he went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 21, 2013, while surrounded by his loving family. Those close to Wendell new him by the railroad cap he always wore and that his goal was to make one person smile a day; and he did. Wendell proudly served his county as a member of the United States Army. Upon exiting the service he worked as a truck driver for 31 yrs. He was a proud member of the American Legion - Post 47, the Wood Brook Cathedral congregation in Grand Rapids, MI; as well as the American Baptist Church congregation in Lakeland, FL. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 53 yrs Luane Free; Daughter Deadra and special friend Robin Mckellips, grandsons Tim Free, Chris (Sarah) Free and Calvin Davis; mother Nannie Free (of Ohio); brother Bob Free (of Ohio); sister-in-law Jacquie Lytle (of Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Marvin Free; Brother John Lytle; daughter Debra Davis; son Gary Free; and grandson Daniel Elliot Free. Please join his family for a time of remembrance on Monday, February 25, 2013 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Reyers North Valley Chapel. The family will also greet friends from 1-2 PM on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at Reyers North Valley Chapel preceding the service to celebrate his life at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids.