William Drent

William Drent, age 64, passed away Thursday, November 22, 2007, at Poppen House Hospice in Muskegon. He was born March 18, 1943 in Grand Haven, to Clifford and Ruth Marie (Nichols) Drent, and he married Jera Nicholson on January 23, 1965 in Grand Haven. Bill graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1962 and served his country in the Army National Guard. Bill received an award for "One Million Miles, Accident Free," having worked for Roadway Express and retired in 1996. Following retirement, Bill drove school bus for Grand Haven Public Schools. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28 in Grand Haven, and a member of the Michigan High School Hall of Fame for playing on the Grand Haven baseball team of 1960-1961. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting antique fishing lures, and spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Jera; two daughters, Suzanne (Andy) Karlsons of Spring Lake and Danielle (Steven) Bolthouse of Spring Lake; four grandchildren, Nicholas, Katrina, Connor, and Ayden; a sister, Debra (Stanley) Suszka of Spring Lake; a brother, Clifford (Charlene) Drent of West Olive; and special friends, Mary and Denver Todd. The funeral liturgy for Mr. Drent will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 27th, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Rev. Leonard Sudlik as celebrant. Friends may meet the family 7-9pm Monday, November 26th, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Spring Lake with a vigil service held at 8:30pm. Military rites will be provided under the auspices of the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28 of Grand Haven. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorials to Poppen House Hospice of Muskegon are appreciated.