Mr. Warren DeMond, Age 90 of, Hastings, MI (formerly of Woodland) passed away peacefully with family by his side on February 17, 2024, at his home in Hastings.

Warren was born in the family farmhouse in Woodland, MI, on March 26, 1933, the son of Velma and Claude DeMond. He was raised in the Woodland area. His education started in a one room school near his home and later he graduated from Woodland High School in 1951.

Warren’s love of farming began at a very young age, and he often told stories about working the land with his father and grandfather behind a team of horses and tying wheat bundles by hand. Warren began farming the family farm full time after graduation. He set farming aside on Sundays to honor the Lord, attending Church and visiting with family and friends.

On June 16, 1956, he married Eileen (Mattson) DeMond in Woodland MI on Coats Grove Road not far from the family farm. Warren & Eileen began their lives together in a small house on the edge of their Wellman Road farm, later moving into the main farmhouse in 1967 where they raised their family together. Their house was always open to children of friends and family who needed help and a place to stay, whether it was for a day, a few days or up to two years until they graduated.

Warren also worked as a machinist for EW Bliss in Hastings for over 19 years. His unwavering work ethic provided several opportunities for him to advance his position and was asked several times to join the company’s management team. His passion for farming always took precedence over the factory and preferred to spend his time on the farm rather than in the factory. Warren was a faithful employee for over 19 years with the company.

Warren & Eileen enjoyed spending winters in central Florida, first in their 5th wheel trailer. Later in 1997 they constructed a permanent home directly in front of the clubhouse and the first tee on the Golf Course! Warren was an avid golfer and was very active in operations of the golf course serving on the golf committee. He regularly drove the citizen’s patrol car for the Davenport sheriff’s department.

He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt & fish. He and Eileen were especially fond of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where Eileen grew up. Warren loved camping with his family and friends, and they spent countless hours combing the shores of Lake Superior looking for Agate Stones. Everyone looked forward to a ride in his truck on two track roads in the backwoods of Lake Superior looking for bears and wildlife.

Short summers in Michigan were always filled with many trips to visit family, friends, and of course taking in a casino or two. He always said I just want to be with my girls and whatever they wanted to do was good with him. He took great pride in his girls, grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed watching his grandson completely restore the farm, bringing it back to its original condition.

Warren is survived by his beloved wife Eileen, his children Delana Mead (Charles Boumiea), Linnea (Terry) Staines, his sister Joyce Algate, 8 grandchildren, Kenith, Michael, Amanda, Kari Aaron, Kyle, Kendra, and Corey. And 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Raymond DeMond, brother Kent DeMond, and parents Claude and Velma DeMond.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 12:00 PM at Daniels Funeral Home-Hastings, conveniently located at 1401 North Broadway, Hastings, MI. with Pastor Deano Lamphere officiating.

The family will receive visitors, one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 11:00 AM?12:00 PM at Daniels Funeral Home?Hastings

Guests are invited to remain at the funeral home for a time of fellowship and luncheon immediately following the funeral service. Interment will take place at Warner (Stoney Point) Cemetery following the luncheon.

The family request that all donations be made to Operation Smile to help children born with a cleft palate in Warren DeMond's name.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home in Hastings, MI. for further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.

Eugene Allen Eldred, known affectionately as Gene, passed away on February 7, 2024, in Hastings, Michigan. Gene was born on June 16, 1937, in Bellevue, Michigan, the son of Verdan Wolf and Dorothy May (Loomis) Eldred.

Gene grew up in the close-knit community of Dowling, Michigan, where he learned the importance of family and the satisfaction of a day's work on the farm. His journey through life was shared with his beloved wife, Earline "Sue" (Sams) Eldred, whom he married on March 1, 1958. Their enduring love was a cornerstone of the family until her passing. Gene was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gaylord Eldred.

A dedicated worker, Gene spent many years at the Angel Street Paper Mill, where he was a respected employee until his retirement in 1999. 

Gene was a man who found solace and excitement in the great outdoors. Farming, hunting, and fishing were not just hobbies but a way of life he embraced wholeheartedly. The art of making maple syrup was one of his many skills, and he took great pride in sharing this tradition with others. Above all, Gene's greatest joy was found spending time with family.

Gene's legacy continues through his loving family. He is survived by his children, Joe (Lisa) Eldred, Jill (Mike) Owens, Jeff Eldred, and Jason (Tricia) Eldred, his grandchildren, George, Macie, Myles, Anna, Chelsea, and Mitchell, and his great-grandchildren, Ayden, Zoe, Emma, Arya, Ember, Eli, and Ella. Gene is also survived by his brother, David (Shirley) Eldred, special in-law, Nancy Sams, and several nieces and nephews.

A family gathering to celebrate Gene's life is being planned for later this summer. Contributions in memory of Gene can be made to Corewell Health Hospice,  https://give.corewellhealth.org/hospice/donate. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.