I wish to take this method to recognize and say thank you to many Fenton organizations and people.
The death of my father brought me back to the city earlier than expected. Originally born in Missouri, William (Bill) Kershaw served in the Navy in World War II. He then met a Fenton girl. Upon her graduation from FHS, they were married and for the next 66 years made Fenton their home. Bill died August 28, 2013
Sharp Funeral home on Silver Lake Road in Fenton begins my list of thanks. Never have I seen such a place handle details so well and anticipate needs. Their follow up service with paperwork is extraordinary.
When asked his most proud accomplishment in life my father always said to serve his country. He never spoke much about his war years. However archives in Washington D.C. credit him with saving his ship by shooting down a kamikaze plane with just a few feet to spare. Therefore my thanks to the VFW Post 3243 in Fenton. They provided military funeral honors for my father both at the funeral home and grave site. The organization also served a meal after the funeral.
When you die at the age of 87 many of those you knew precede you in death. However many turned out at the funeral home to pay their respects because of interaction with Bill in business. My father was a businessman in town. He owned and operated a barber shop for years and was a real estate broker. For many years people just referred to him as Bill the barber. Some who stopped by told of purchasing a home from him. A few mentioned how my father not only found them a house, but also a job.
My father was a founding member of the First National Bank of Fenton (now First Merit Bank). A big thank you to the two former presidents of that institution and former employees who stopped by and gave their condolences.
Funerals are often difficult times. Friends both old and new are a comfort. Thank you to high school and life friends of the family who came to offer their condolences. Your presence and time was most appreciated.
I know that it is often difficult to make it to funerals. So I thank all of those who sent cards of condolences or called. The family appreciates the time you took and your good thoughts and prayers.
I also want to thank relatives both from Fenton and other cities for coming. Some also for helping with arrangements and/or bringing food to sustain people for the long hours at the funeral home. Just being a relatives not does make attendance mandatory. You gave freely of your time and the entire immediate family appreciates it.
The biggest saying of thanks goes to my sister and brother-in-law who live in Fenton. They deftly took care of all arrangements allowing my wife and I to concentrate on finding a plane to Michigan.
Again, thanks to everyone who attended the funeral home, attended the funeral, sent condolences or helped in some other way.