Danny L. Bristol

TRAVERSE CITY – Danny L. Bristol, age 85, of Traverse City passed away Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Metro Health Hospital in Wyoming, MI, in the loving care of his family. Danny was born to Bethel and Mary Margaret (Dunn) Bristol on May 29, 1931 in Traverse City, MI. Every since Danny was a young boy he was working on the family farm. He graduated from Traverse City Central School and following his graduation he married his wife of 65 years, Carol (Cavitch) Bristol. Danny then honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1951 until he was honorably discharged in 1953 serving in the Korean War. After being discharged from the United States Army, Danny moved back to Traverse City, and went to work first for Max’s Service, then Tri-Gas, the Traverse City School System, and finally bought a truck and went to work for Gray Bell Trucking, in Holland, MI until his retirement in 1995. Sitting still in retirement didn’t serve Danny well, so shortly after his retirement he worked part-time driving for Cherry Growers. Danny lived in the Traverse City area all of his life, 51 total years in the same home. Following his retirement, Danny and Carol wintered in Leesburg, FL. Together they loved; camping, dancing at the Hayloft every other month, attending the Northwestern Fair and watching his great-grandchildren in various shows. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Eagles, Buckley Old Engine Show and was a life time member of the local VFW. Danny enjoyed farming, draft-horses, horse pulls, plow days, fishing, and most of all spending time with his family. Danny is survived by his wife, Carol E. Bristol, Traverse City, children; Margaret (Gerald) Bunker, Leesburg, FL, Danny Jr. (Gale) Bristol, Traverse City, Tina (Ryan) Kigar, Traverse City, Bethany (Jesse) Sipos, Allen Park, MI, Linda (Mark) Douglass, Kingsley, Eugene Bristol, Saginaw, siblings; Mary Jo (Dick) Hays, Clarkston, WA, Jerry (Joyce) Bristol, Hastings, MI, Roger (Sandy) Bristol, Eaton Rapids MI. Danny is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Bethel and Mary, grandson, Chad Brown, and brother, Ted (Darlene) Bristol. A visitation for Danny will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held the next day, Thursday, May 4, 2017 at the funeral home at 3:00 pm with a visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 921 W 11th St #1w, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Danny L. Bristol

May 29, 1931 - April 29, 2017