Loyd DeMent

On November 13, 2015, surrounded by the warm company of his loved ones, Loyd DeMent of Waterford, MI (b. 1932) surrendered his will to God, leaving his earthly bonds for eternal life with the Heavenly Father. A man defined in many ways by his powerful connection to family, Loyd is survived by his devoted wife of 23 years, Barbara DeMent (nee Collom Haynes) and five loving children: Richard DeMent (Dawn Jaggers), Donna Papke (Kenneth), David Haynes (Elizabeth Pierce), Karen Wood (Philip), and Karol Murray (John).

A spirited, attentive grandfather, Loyd is also survived by twelve adoring grandchildren: April Papke, Kenny Papke, Tamara Carlson (Daniel), Marissa Haynes, Keegan Murray, Dakota Murray, Breauna Murray, Daniella Wood, Gabrielle Wood, Truly Render (Shaun Manning), Anthony Pacella Jr., and Julian Pacella. Four great-grandchildren will remember him fondly: Emitt Hadley, Colin Hadley, Maddison Carlson, and Lila Manning. His first wife Joann DeMent, cherished mother of Richard and Donna, precedes Loyd in death.

Loyd DeMent took immense pleasure in telling wild tales of his careers as a traveling carnival employee, motorcycle daredevil, welder, and trailer mechanic. While “running away with the circus” is a mere idiom for many, it was the reality of Loyd’s life. After leaving his Dearborn home at the age of 16, Loyd joined Happyland Shows, Inc. as a carney, traveling as far away as Hawaii with the high wire act. He was eventually featured in the carnival as a motorcycle daredevil riding the “wall of death.”

A veteran of the Korean War and stationed near the 38th parallel, Loyd served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1954. Stateside, Loyd met Joann LaMain whom he married in 1959. The couple had two children Richard (1960) and Donna (1964). During this time he worked as a trailer mechanic for several local establishments and traveled with the carnival in the summer.

After the passing of Joann in 1990, Loyd married Barbara Haynes in 1992 and joined her family including David Haynes, Karol Murray (nee Haynes), Karen Wood (nee Haynes).

Loyd loved to travel with his wife Barbara. Whether it was with the travel trailer or just going for drive in the countryside. They would just get in the car and drive for hours exploring. One of their favorite spots to go to was their cabin in Lexington, MI. Loyd loved to have people come and visit, sit by the fire, and swap stories. Loyd’s favorite campfire stories included everything from childhood adventures of crossing the train tracks to high-stakes stories of the war. During cabin trips, Loyd kept the campfire alight from the time he arrived until the moment he packed up the car to leave — he was always ready for visitors to warm their hands and enjoy a conversation or three.

A generous man who valued utility, Loyd eagerly shared his trade, mentoring many young men in the skills of metalwork. A strong sense of community was a great point of pride for Loyd; he served as a Master of Roosevelt Lodge # 510 of Pontiac, Michigan, was a life member of the Oakland County Sportsman’s club, a member American Legion post 0377 for 59 years, an Adult Leader of Boy Scouts of America troop 131, and a member of BSA Order of the Arrow. An everyday hero with larger-than-life stories, Loyd touched many lives with his big heart and active presence.

A life celebration will be held for Loyd at Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club, 4770 Waterford Rd, Village of Clarkston, MI 48346, December 3, 2015 2PM. For information, please email Richard DeMent at [email protected] or Karen Wood at [email protected].

“Tearzill wearze mearzeet earzagearzain.” (Translation: “till we meet again” in carney-speak.)

In light of the wonderful care that Loyd received in his final days the family requests that memorials be made to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Supportive Care program.