Keith "John" D. Vandawater, age 87 of Rogers Heights, passed away Monday, September 12, 2022 at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Barton Township, Newaygo County on May 30, 1935, the son of the late Beryl and Jennie (Malcom) Vandawater. John was raised on the family centennial farm in Paris. He married Orchid "Gene" LaVallee on June 28, 1958 at The United Church in Big Rapids and together they raised their family in Rogers Heights. John honorably served his country in the United States Army. He was a man with many talents and liked to stay busy. He was employed as a foreman for Wolverine World Wide for 26 years and he helped found Dial-A-Ride in Big Rapids, and also drove for them. John was a substitute bus driver for Morley Stanwood Public School and worked at Ferris State University for 15 years. John built, owned, and operated Rogers Heights Self-Storage. He was also community oriented; John was a volunteer firefighter for Mecosta Township Fire Department for over 40 years and served on the Mecosta Township Board. John enjoyed the outdoors; especially snowmobiling and deer hunting. He loved his family and looked forward to watching his grandchildrens sporting events. Johns family enjoyed his joking personality and his nonsense nicknames that he gave everyone. John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Orchid "Gene" Vandawater; four children, Darcy Lynn (Mark Williams) Vandawater of Leroy, Wendy Gene (Thomas) Freiberg of Stanwood, Scott Duane (Bridget) Vandawater of Rockford, and Wayne Allen (Barbara) Vandawater of Howard City; 23 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; his brother, B. Edward (Vicky) Vandawater of Paris; sister-in-law, Deloris Vandawater of Big Rapids; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Walter Eugene "Danny" Vandawater. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Johns name to Spectrum Health Hospice, 25 Michigan St. NE, Suite 4100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or National Kidney Foundation, 1345 Monroe Avenue NW, Suite 140Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Arrangements and care entrusted to Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory, picture, and a condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Pending Tuesday, September 13, 2022