Kayle J. Depoy

Throughout his rich and rewarding life, Kayle J. DePoy was faith-filled, wise, and intentional in the way he lived each and every day he was given. He was never boisterous or overbearing in his beliefs, rather, he gently led others to know the Lord of his life. A more devoted family man would be hard to find, and the love he had for his family was unwavering. Hardworking, meticulous, and driven, he gave everything he did his full attention and used his time and talents to bless all who were within his reach. Kayle leaves behind a timeless legacy that the loved ones who follow in his footsteps will proudly carry on. The year 1929 is often remembered as the year that the historic crash of the stock market sent our nation and much of the world spiraling down into the depths of the Great Depression. The days that followed were cloaked in great hardship with a staggering jobless rate, a skyrocketing unemployment rate, and a crippling drought that blanketed our nations heartland for nearly two years. This same year was met with great excitement for Carl Otis and Viola (Morris) DePoy as they awaited the birth of their new baby as winter held the city of Muskegon, Michigan, in its grip as February was drawing to a close. The big day finally arrived on February 26th when the baby boy they named Kayle J. drew his first breath. He was one of the youngest of five children, joined in his family by his older siblings, Laura, Mildred, Howard, and Carlyle. Although Howard died from a gallbladder attack at the age of 14. His father had no desire to follow in the footsteps of his own father in becoming a farmer, so Kayles father rode his motor bike from Colchester, Illinois, to Michigan to start a produce business instead. This is how Kayles father supported the bustling DePoy brood while Kayles mother was a busy homemaker. Kayle was raised in the family home in Muskegon Heights where he was a typical boy of his generation. His lifelong best friend, Lee Waller, worked with Kayle and his father at the produce stand. Because the produce stand kept the family very busy, there was little time for vacations or outings. Kayle was a student at local schools, and in addition to holding down his studies he became proficient in playing both the saxophone and the clarinet, and he was an active part of the Muskegon Heights marching band. He was also a talented athlete who was a star running back during the much heralded glory days of the Muskegon Heights Tigers. A man of many talents, Kayle also became a key instrumentalist with the locally famous Frank Lockage Band, playing many venues. New and exciting changes were in store for Kayle when he met the young girl of his dreams. Her name was Jean Turner, and they met at school. However, they met in a rather unusual way as she was at a dance with another guy when she couldnt help but notice young Kayle. He stole her heart, and they later had a secret marriage. Together they welcomed five children including Judy, Jack, James, Jerry, and Janet into their hearts and home. Early in his career, Kayle worked for Continental Motors and Geerpress Ringer, but after he came to know his Lord and Savior he became a missionary through the New Tribes Mission out of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and then became director there. Later, the family returned to Muskegon where Kayle began a new career as a realtor, which allowed him to become an assessor at the highest level, working for the City of Muskegon and for two years for the City of Norton Shores. Kayle was also a part-time pastor of community churches in the area. One of the familys favorite churches was in Rothbury. They loved going to church and then spending the afternoon with a church family to then return to church for the evening service before heading for home with a stop at Sally Jons Bakery, too. Over the years the family owned many houses in the Muskegon area as they bought one to fix up and then later sell it, only to do it all over again, usually upgrading each time. There were also fun family outings at Long Lake and to Detroit for Tigers games. In everything they did, faith was the most important cornerstone in the DePoy family. Supper hour was a vital part of the day when everyone came to gather around the table at promptly five oclock for a time of family devotions and conversation while sharing a meal together. Although he was known for his strong work ethic, Kayle also knew how to have fun along the way. He coached Little League baseball and golfed with his sons, and his sons were thrilled to be there to witness Kayles hole in one. The Muskegon Chronicle even covered the story, and he also got a second one later in life. After retiring in 1991, he and Jean traveled until her poor health prohibited them from doing so. Even then they continued to enjoy numerous car rides. As Jean needed more care, Kayle was there to tenderly give her what she needed until her death in 2012. Blessed to find love again, Kayle became reacquainted with Betty Lee whom he had known back in high school. They became great companions and were married. With unending love for his family and friends, Kayle DePoy made a significant impact in the lives of everyone he met. Although he was a man of great wisdom who was meticulous with numbers and had a great mind for business, he was a humble man of faith who used his resources to bring glory and honor to the Lord he loved. Kayle will be deeply missed but never forgotten.