Donald Frank Arent

Donald F. Arent, 84, of Benton Center, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday afternoon, March 29, 2008, at Lakeland Continuing Care in Benton Center, MI. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, St. Joseph. A graveside service will be held Saturday, April 5, 2008, at 10:45 A.M., in Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph with Military Rites. Memorials in Donald's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society. Those wishing to send the family a message of condolence may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Donald was born January 1, 1924, in Bainbridge Center, Michigan, to Frank and Margaret (Smith) Arent. He proudly served his country as a Marine during WWII in the Pacific Theater. Donald worked for about 30 years as a Shipping & Receiving Clerk at Whirlpool Corp. prior to his retirement in 1986. He was a long-time member of the VFW Post 1137, the Stevensville American Legion Post #568, and the Whirlpool Old Timer's Club. Donald was an avid Detroit Tigers Baseball fan and loved all sports. Donald is survived by his sister Leah Pontek of Stuart, FL; nephews, Robert Pontek of FL, Roland Arent, Jr. and David Arent of LA, Sharon (Richard) Cawley of SC, and Patsy Henderson of AZ. He is also survived by many cousins, including Norma Turner of Coloma, Nathan Arent of Benton Harbor, Alma Arent of St. Joseph, and Floyd Weber of Benton Harbor, as well as best friend, Louis Boettcher of St. Joseph. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Warren Arent of AZ and Roland Arent of NC.