Gramps now singing praises in Glory.We will try to continue blogs at least once weekly from his early ones and some we discussed together
September 04, 1933 - May
16, 2020
On
May 16, 2020, at his home in Big Rapids, One of God’s Warrior’s, Kermit Roy
Hainley, 86, met Jesus face to face, and heard these words, “well done my good
and faithful son”.
Kermit
was born to John and Catherine Hainley on September 4, 1933, near Altoona,
Pennsylvania. He was the third of four boys.
Kermit graduated from Altoona High School in
Pennsylvania, where he was a Tri-State Champion Drummer. He attended Findlay
College where he met, “the bride of my youth” Twila Jean (Beery)
Hainley. On August 11, 1957, they were married and went on to share
over 62 years together. They had four children. He also received an Honorary
Doctorate Degree from Ferris State University for his
work
with youth and families.
Kermit’s life was filled with many accomplishments including being
part of military family. He served in the United State Air Force as an Air
Traffic Controller for 4 years; a year of that in Korea. After his service he
worked another 4 years at the Greater Pittsburg Airport.
After leaving Pennsylvania, he worked in a youth detention center
where his heart’s desire was to find a way to reach youth before they were
locked up. So in 1966, Kermit and Jean set out from California to Michigan to
start a group home. That group home grew to be a multi-faceted, God- Focused
treatment program known as Eagle Village, Inc. in Hersey, Michigan. Kermit
served as the Founder and President for 26 years. During those years he was
recognized both on a State and National level for his innovative work with
youth and families. Kermit was recently awarded the Northern Lights Lifetime
Achievement Award through the Mecosta County Community Foundation.
The Village continues to embrace the spiritual foundation he
modeled, ministering to countless families, youth and staff. Kermit, and Jean
continued to meet the needs of youth and families across the nation as they
developed the Family Tool Shed. He was a mentor and prayer warrior for
many. He enjoyed driving his big orange tractor, traveling
(especially to Israel and the Tetons), working with wood, being outdoors,
camping and black-pot cooking.
He loved his family and talking about Eagle
Village. He also enjoyed his church family and friends nationwide. Above all
this he loved his Lord and served him faithfully.
He is survived by his wife, Twila Jean Hainley and daughters,
Cathey (Steve) Prudhomme and Marjie (James) Wirth, and daughter-in-law, Dixie
Hainley. Grandchildren include; Dusti (Bren) Skeens, Lyndsie Hainley, Kendra
Prudhomme-Smith Jeremy (Megan) Prudhomme, Christopher (Lynn) Hainley, Corey
(Rachel) Prudhomme, and Brandon Wirth. He also had 9 great
grandchildren and many more that he prayed for.
He was reunited with his parents and sons Michael W. Hainley,
David G. Hainley and grandson Ryan S. Prudhomme.
A Celebration of his Life is tentatively planned for August.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Eagle Village, Inc. 4507 170th Avenue,
Hersey, MI 49639 or online at eaglevillage.org
Resurrection Life Church, 14734 215th Avenue,
Big Rapids, MI 49307 or online rlcbr.org
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