Kenneth Eugene Rabbitt

Kenneth Eugene Rabbitt, 97, of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully with his family at his side on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at Eaton Community Palliative Care.

Ken was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on March 26, 1925 to Carl David and Esther Susie (Stroud) Rabbitt. He was a 1943 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and earned his A&E Associate's Degree from Western Michigan University. Ken honorably served his country during WWII in the 108th U.S. Army Air Corps in England, France and Germany.

Ken was a lifelong adventurer and entrepreneur. He worked construction and as a bush pilot in Alaska. He was a salesman for Woodland Metal Company, then owned and operated several businesses, including a gas station in Iowa, Rabbitt's Fire Extinguisher Service, and Country House Furniture of Battle Creek. After retirement, he and Pat wintered in Mesa, AZ.

Kenneth Eugene Rabbitt was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Clay on June 20, 1948 at Baseline United Methodist Church. Surviving are Pat, his wife, of 74 years on June 20; their children, Douglas (Linda) Rabbitt of Downers Grove, IL, Cheryl Hendrickson of Mason, MI, Larry (Shannan) Rabbitt of Comstock, MI, Karen Fotis of Tempe, AZ, Timothy (Karen) Rabbitt of Holt, MI; 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. Ken was preceded in death by his parents; a son, David Rabbitt; a grandson, Christopher Rabbitt and a son-in-law, Mark Fotis.

Ken & Pat homesteaded in Alaska for 2 ½ years 1949-1951. He was a very involved member of Calvary Baptist Church since 1951. Ken and Pat went on missionary trips to Brazil, Mexico and Portugal. He continued operating Peace Camp for youth which was founded by his father. He was a member of the Lions Club, the American Legion and actively involved for 25 years in the SPEBQSA Battle Creek Barbershop Quartet choir. He loved camping, hunting, and RVing. Ken will be fondly remembered for his boldness in asking everyone he met, "Do you know Jesus?"

Friends will be received 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home in Battle Creek; and the hour prior to services at Calvary Baptist Church. A service to celebrate Ken's life will be held 12:00 p.m. Thursday, June 23, 2022 at Calvary Baptist Church in Battle Creek. Military honors and committal will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 23, 2022 at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

The service will be live-streamed and may be viewed by visiting https:/facebook.com/calvarybaptistbc
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 1625 Capital Avenue N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017 or to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2615 S. Cochran Road, Charlotte, MI 48813. Personal messages for the family may be placed in the Memory Book here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.