Richard Fenby

Richard Wayne Fenby, age 84, of Big Rapids, MI, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2022, at his home with his wife right by his side.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, with Pastor William Hooper officiating.  Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022 from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.

Richard was born in Lansing, Michigan on March 1, 1937, the son of Charles F. and Gladys (Green) Fenby.  Richard graduated from St. Johns High School with the class of 1955.  He married Barbara Dean on June 20, 1964 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Riley Township, MI.

He retired from Oldsmobile as a Senior Project Technician after 47 years of service.  Richard and Barb owned and operated D&B Party Shoppe now known as Mazz's Endzone Party Store in St. Johns for ten years.  After raising their family in St. Johns and Richard's retirement they moved to Clear Lake in Big Rapids in 2001.

Richard enjoyed attending the Detroit Auto Show every year.  He also liked listening to jazz and country western music.  Richard loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sporting events.  He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years where he met many lifelong friends.  He was a member of Chapel of the Lakes Lutheran Church, Mecosta, MI.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Fenby of Big Rapids, MI; children:  Kimberly and Pat Makara of Elsie, MI; Candace Fenby and fiancé Brett Cramer of Laingsburg, MI; Douglas Fenby of Lansing, MI; grandchildren: Lilly Makara, Patrick Makara, Marinna Makara, and Katherine Makara.  He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: William, Robert, Katie, Marge, and Doris, and many special nieces & nephews.

Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors.  Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.