Dennis K. Carlon, age 65, of Wayland, died Tuesday, July 10.

Dennis was told as a young man that due to a childhood illness he would never succeed in life. Instead, he went on to become a business owner, family farmer and a respected community leader.

He is survived by Debra, his bride of 45 years; children Melissa (Matthew) VanHetKekke-Smith, Jody (Dale) Thrush, Daniel (Jennifer) Carlon, Christopher (Erica) Carlon, Michael (Kara) Sullivan, Rose Mitchell; 19 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; many nieces and nephews; siblings, Dayle (Robert) Lane, Donald (Donna) Carlon, sister-in-law Vicki Carlon, Virginia (Ronald) Schoonbeck.

Dennis was preceded in death by his mother Irene VanTuinen; son, Richard VanHetHekke; grandson, Anthony VanHetHekke, siblings Judith Carlon, Deborah Bos, Darryl Carlon.

The funeral will be held at noon Friday, July 13, at Frontline Bible Church, 8283 Pfeiffer Farms Drive, Byron Center. Visitation will be from 2 yo 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 12, at Cook Funeral Home 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, as well as one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Dennis to Spectrum Health Hospice.