Kenneth DeWayne Dunivant

Kenn is preceded in death by his parents Marshall and Della Dunivant; siblings Bob, Carol, Jerry, William and Marsha; daughter Brenda Jean and grandson Steven Taylor.

Kenn is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Selma Dunivant; children Karen (Brian) Taylor, Dreama (Paul) Scaglione, Janeen (Barry) Ouber, DeWayne (Laurie) Dunivant; grandchildren Bryon (Marcy) Traynoff, Brandon Traynoff, Dylan (Catrice) Tarrow, Sarah Tarrow, Rachel Dunivant, Hannah Dunivant; great grandson Marshall Traynoff; brothers Clyde Dunivant and Larry (Virginia) Dunivant; also many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews; and a large extended family.

Kenn was the oldest son born to a coal miner and his wife in (Maple Meadow) Lester, West Virginia. The family moved around to different locations in search of employment in coal mining. With 8 children to support, his parents decided it would be best to have Kenn stay with his Grandparents, in Wyoming County, West Virginia.

Kenn graduated from Trap Hill High school where he was a valued, star basketball player. Kenn loved all kinds of sports and music; he held the desired seat of being first chair as a trumpet player and could strum a guitar fairly well. Kenn enjoyed all genres of music and could also carry a tune, as he always had a good singing voice.

While Kenn had interests in many activities, there was one interest that out shined all the others; Kenn was smitten by a beautiful young lady named Selma Richardson who happened to live in Maple Meadow, the same beautiful place of where Kenn was born and continued to have roots. Kenn met Selma one day while attending a Church revival. Several people mentioned how Selma should meet Kenn and get to know him. Later that day, Kenn, Selma and several others were walking home from the revival… then Selma realized she and Kenn were walking alone as the others who were walking with them had gradually slowed their pace, allow the two to talk, laugh and get to know each other. Yep, . . Kenn was smitten with Selma, and Selma dreamily spoke of Kenn saying, “He’s 6 foot 2, has dark hair and very handsome.” Kenn was persistent and continued to charm Selma until he was able to win her heart.

At this time, Kenn and his family, seeking employment other than in the coal mines of West Virginia, moved to Detroit to work in the automobile industry, Kenn’s first job in Detroit was with Ford Motor Company, where he was employed along with his father.

Leaving Selma behind. . . Kenn wrote many letters and made visits as often as possible, keeping the long-distance relationship ongoing. Many times Kenn asked Selma to marry him. Finally she gave in and agreed, they were on married March 19th, 1955. Together the couple moved back to Detroit to start their new adventure together and spending the next 66 years as husband and wife.

After a brief stay with Ford, Kenn was given the opportunity to work for GM, in their newly built spring and bumper plant in Livonia. GM also offered him the chance to advance his education by attending the University of Michigan at night and working hard during the day. After completing his classes, Kenn was promoted to the position of Metallurgical Supervisor; where he was highly respected in this position for nearly 40 years.

Two years after moving to Detroit, Kenn and Selma purchased their first home in Livonia, Michigan. There, they meet the best neighbors anyone could ask for and became life-long friends. Both families had 4 children of similar ages and raised them together as if one big family.

Kenn and Selma lived in Livonia until their retirement. At which time they relocated to Melbourne, Florida, there, they enjoyed their retirement with friends and family. A few years ago, Kenn and Selma decided they needed to be closer to friends and family, moving back north to Oregon, Ohio near the border of Michigan.

Kenn was a devoted Scout Leader and Scout Master, helping many young boys become men of honor and integrity, numerous earning their Eagle Scout ranking. Along with scouting he headed many community service projects.

During Kenn’s life, he enjoyed many interests and hobbies, to name a few: he loved traveling, hunting, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, riding motorcycles and snowmobiles. Kenn received his pilot license and enjoyed flying planes. Along with flying planes he liked to jump out of them. (skydiving). Mostly, he enjoyed camping and canoeing which turned into the well loved Labor Day weekend get together. With all these accomplishments, he enthusiastically and wholeheartedly “Filled his Bucket List”.

Most importantly, he loved God, his country, his family, extended family and friends. Kenn loved people, enjoyed spending time with them and teaching others what family, friendship and loyalty really meant. When Kenn made a friend, he made a lifelong friend.

If you ask anybody, Kenneth D. Dunivant was a “Larger than Life” person, love by everyone, that would be happy give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

Kenn you will truly be missed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

** Country Roads, take me home…**

A visitation for Kenneth will be held Friday, November 19, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152. A funeral service will occur Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 10:00 AM, 37000 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152. He will be laid to rest Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Grand Lawn Cemetery, 23501 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, MI 48219.

Fond memories expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HarryjWillLivonia.com for the Dunivant family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kenneth's memory may be made to Wounded Warrior, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/; and Alzheimer's Association, https://www.alz.org/.

To view the service on livestream please click this link:

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1637368892149365