Aaron L. Middleton

   Aaron Lee Middleton passed from this earth on April 4, 2024 surrounded by family. He was born to Aaron and Sylvia Middleton on April 24, 1935 in the small town of Carrier Mills, IL. From his humble beginnings, Aaron always fought to improve his lot in life. At around the age of 15 Aaron moved with his mother to Pontiac, MI. With the help of a high school counselor, Aaron got into Western Michigan University where he earned his bachelor's degree in education. He did his student teaching at Paw Paw High School and while still in school, apprenticed at Durametallic Corporation (now called Flowserve). After graduation he was hired full time at Durametallic, but ever the worker, he also taught night classes at Central High School. He later also taught part time at WMU and K-College. He finished his 35 year career with Durametallic as Director of Purchasing. For the next 27 years he worked as an independent manufacturing sales rep with clients around the country and fussed mightily about not being able to continue working after the age of 82.
   In 1971 Aaron met and married Jeanne Hendriksen, they moved to Cooper Township. Aaron had three daughters, Linda, Brenda and Amy and in 1973 a family of five children joined the family, Darrell, Dawn, Will, James and Debra. They decided eight was enough. Aaron and Jeanne had many homes over the years. They most enjoyed splitting time between the house they built in Cooper, the house on the shore of Lake Michigan, and the house on the golf course in Sun City, AZ. They enjoyed traveling together visiting 59 countries and all 50 states. In 1996 they took the whole family on a cruise.
   Aaron leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Jeanne; children, Linda (Dave) Knapper, Brenda (Frank) Tiefenthal, Amy (Dave) Lambert, Will Middleton, James Middleton, Debra (William) Noble.
   Aaron was blessed with many grandchildren, Corey Knapper, Jesse Knapper, Kelly Knapper, Jason Tiefenthal, Michele (Adam) Britton, Logan (Elizabeth) Noble, Liam (Jerrica) Noble, Samuel Noble; as well as 31 1/2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; children, Darrell and Dawn Middleton; grandchildren, Joshua Compton, Dabin Lambert, and Spencer Wolff.
   Funeral arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services 622 S Burdick St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007. A funeral service will be held at North Park Reformed Church, 1316 Barney Rd. Kalamazoo, MI 49004, on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Light refreshments will be served after the service. Interment will take place at West Cooper Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Care Navigators or North Park Reformed Church, in memory of Aaron. To leave an online condolence, please visit https://www.langelands.com