KEITH ALAN “TINKER JR.” FLEWELLING, 72, of Davison, MI, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at his residence. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held 12 Noon Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Allen Funeral Home, 9136 Davison Rd., Davison; Chaplain David Owen, officiating. Inurnment will follow in Davison Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Monday and the hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Davison-Richfield Firefighters Association.
Keith Alan Flewelling was born to Floyd and Dorothy (Siecinski) Flewelling on November 15, 1951, in Rogers City, MI, which was appropriate on opening day of rifle hunting season.
As a youth, Keith’s family moved to Davison, attending Davison Schools and graduating in 1969. Keith enjoyed football, baseball, track and wrestling, achieving many records and trophies in his high school career. Dear and cherished friendships from school have continued through the years. While walking the Davison Twp trails, he would speak of hunting in the woods and fields as a youth.
Keith worked for GTE/Verizon for 38 years. His career started as a telephone installer and repairman and was completed in central office technologies. Keith was an IBEW local 1106 union representative. His vast knowledge and history saw many changes in the telephone industry. His collection of antique phones and equipment will be donated to the Montrose Telephone Museum. He was able to visit the museum and could explain in detail the history of the telephone.
Keith proudly served on the City of Davison Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, City Council as Mayor Pro Tem and several task forces from the 1990’s to 2010.
Keith enjoyed sharing his exceptional talents with others. Keith was a beautiful woodworker, carver and overall “Tinker”. A title passed down from his admired father. Keith always found a solution to a problem and enjoyed the challenge. He enjoyed helping others with repairs and projects, a caring trait from his adored mother.
Keith was an original member of the “Flat Tire” club. He had a good time sharing stories, laughter and beverages with the guys. Cheers to those gone and those remaining!
Keith’s greatest joy has been his family, appreciating and loving each unique and cherished person. His love for nature, fishing and hunting began early with his father and grandfathers. He delighted in continuing those moments with children and grandchildren, at Gilead Lake and many other beautiful spots in Michigan. He enjoyed family outings and events with abundant laughter. Little Oaks, the family cabin in Millersburg, south of Rogers City, continued to be a destination for his birthday and “opening day” to socialize with the guys. Throughout his life and into retirement, Keith enjoyed treks in nature, golf, camping, travel, gardening, museums, music and exploring life in general.
Keith knew God in the beauty of nature, the love and acceptance of individuals, the miracle of a new baby, the joy of playing with a toddler, laughing with teenagers, supporting a young adult finding their way, helping and laughing with a friend, hugging and caring for a parent, just being the best he could be as a human.
Keith is cherished by his sweetheart and life mate of 13 years, Colleen Kemp.
Keith was proud of the beautiful family that he and Anita (Morrill) Flewelling, his wife of 39 years, created together. He was the devoted father of Brandi (Brian) Warner, Brian (Vanessa) Flewelling, and Kristen (Russell) Bawks. His beloved grandchildren include Zachary (Alayna), Alexandrea (Jordan), Kaitlin, Lucas, Chloe, Matthew Alan, Anna, Amelia, and Chase, as well as four great-grandchildren, Gracelyn, Jacqueline, Michael Keith, and Brady. He also had the gift of “bonus” children and grandchildren, including Caroline (Anthony) D’Andrea, Bethany (Christopher) Wilson, Ashley Hanley, Emily (Paul Sharp) Kovacs, Kaytee, Isabella, Sophia, Josephine, Lucia, Anthony Jr., Sophia, Elias, Evelyn, Madison, Maxon, Ein, Avery.
He is survived by his siblings, Wayne (Sue) Flewelling, Gail (Harvey) Mier, and Debbie (Neil) Benmark. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Floyd and Dorothy Flewelling, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Marvinn and Nathalie Morrill.
Keith touched many lives and was adored by countless people, especially the members of the Flewelling, Siecinski, Morrill and Kemp families, as well as the “Garland Street Gang” and other dear lifetime friends.
Many thanks and much appreciation to the Promedica/Heartland Hospice Team, especially Melissa, Cori, Sara, Kim, Chaplain David and CeCe; caregiver, Hailey that made this journey easier with a loving compassion. Much love and appreciation to family and friends that journeyed with us. Your love, care and support was invaluable. The deepest love to you all!
