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Obituaries » Chris Lee DeYoung

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April 11, 1943 - March 5, 2022

A celebration of life service will be held at Centerpoint Church, 2345 N. 10th Street beginning at 3:00 pm on Saturday, March 19, 2022, with Pastor Fred DeYoung officiating.  Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service from 2:00 to 3:00 PM.  Private burial will take place at West Cooper Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Care Navigators (formerly Hospice Care of SW Michigan), Centerpoint Church, or Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Special thanks go to Pam Stenger, our niece, along with Emily and Dion from Centrica who gave such loving care to Chris. “Those we love don’t go away.  They walk beside us every day.  Unseen, unheard but always near.  Still loved, still missed and very dear.”  (By Alex Maclean, Grave Situation). For Livestream of service please visit this site https://youtu.be/66MrdeS11YU

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Uncle Chris has always been in my life but over the past few years a special bond grew between us. I was blessed with the opportunity to spend quality time with him and really get to know him. We shared many stories, joked around, laughed a lot and had many exciting adventures together. He will be deeply missed but I know he is now with the Lord and living his best life; paint brush in hand. Deepest sympathy and condolences to my aunt, cousins and family. Rest In Peace Uncle Chris. You will always hold a special place in my heart. Love Pammy

Posted by Pam Stenger on March 22, 2022

Mary, Mark, David, Paul, and families: Chris was an amazing man, a friend to so many, and he was so proud of all of you! Our love and prayers go out to all of you during this time of loss but we celebrate a life well lived, walking the streets of gold with his Lord and Savior! Ron and Dort Koetje

Posted by Ron and Dorothy Koetje on March 16, 2022

To Mary & Family, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear husband, father, and grandfather. May the knowledge that he is at peace in his glorious and eternal home bring you comfort during your sorrow. Prayers for God's peace to rest on each of you.

Posted by Chuck & Laurie Palanca on March 15, 2022

As a paint supplier to Chris, I had the privilege of waiting on him for over 50 years! He was always clean, organized, professionally dressed in clean painter whites, and eager to pick up his supplies and get off to the project of the day. He was one of the early birds waiting for the doors to unlock at 7:30 AM, the customary hour for paint stores to open years ago. He pushed me to change our opening hours to 7AM to accommodate painters who wanted to be on the job by 8AM.That was a great suggestion, and made for a much easier staff opening as well, by eliminating a rush to get everyone out at once. Chris was a loyal customer, an extremely hard worker, and I never had to worry about collecting payment. I was out on some of his jobs over the years, and I witnessed detailed professional craftsmanship on every time. He had a stellar reputation with those he worked for, and his friendly personality added to the enjoyment of having him as a member of our family of regular customers. He was a man of faith and strong convictions. He was so proud of his family, and worked tirelessly to provide a Christian school education for each of them. When grandchildren came along, he and I compared grandparenting stories with one-another. When he and Mary travelled to exotic places, we always heard wonderful stories when he returned. Chris lived life well, and Douglas & Son has been blessed to call him both customer and friend. Rodger Storteboom, President Douglas & Son, Inc.

Posted by RODGER A STORTEBOOM on March 13, 2022

Chris was a kind, fun, caring guy. I'm very sorry to the family, especially Mary and his sons! He was a great father and wonderful husband to Mary. He taught us how to paint our first house. A loss to this earth and a gain for heaven!

Posted by Nancy Kornoelje Leitsinger on March 12, 2022

Chris was the most kind, loving, Porto, and generous man. He loved his family, his profession, God, Kalamazoo, and especially his wife, Mary. He treated me as a daughter and welcomed me into the family with open arms. I will forever love you for this. You have brought us all so much joy.

Posted by Bridget DeYoung on March 9, 2022

Had a lot of good talks with Chris, We used to ride the Bus to Upjohn back in the gas shortage days in the 80's. Somehow we made a boring ride much more manageable. Always liked Chris, and glad he's entered eternal rest. May the family remember the good times!

Posted by Jerry DeVries on March 9, 2022

Dear Mary and Family, We were saddened to hear of Chris’ passing and offer our sincere sympathy. Resting in the arms of Jesus in his eternal home is his reward for being a faithful servant of his Lord and Savior! May you all be blessed with a peace that passes all understanding 🙏 In His Love Den and Shirlee Gernaat

Posted by Den and Shirlee Gernaat on March 8, 2022