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Funeral Services:

Gerald Gene Fahner was a lifelong educator, student, naturalist, explorer and innovator. Affectionately known as Jerry to friends and family, he passed away peacefully at home in Dimondale, Michigan, on August 19, 2026. Born on December 27, 1946, in Howard City, Michigan, Jerry was raised on a family farm by his parents, Frederick and Arlene Fahner, alongside his sister, Karen.

Jerry began his education in the one-room Maple Hill schoolhouse in rural Pierson, Michigan. In 1965, he graduated as salutatorian of his class at Tri-County High School in Howard City, Michigan. He went on to attend Michigan State University, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. For 33.5 years, Jerry taught high school math, chemistry, physical science and computer science at Eaton Rapids Public Schools.

Jerry’s life was centered around his beloved wife of 53 years, Nancy, his close-knit family, and his faith. He fully enjoyed the beautiful Dimondale property with pond and woods that he and Nancy developed into a sanctuary over their 40 years at home.

Jerry’s faith was the compass for his life. He served as the Pastor Parish Relations Committee Chair of the United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids for five years. He was also a member of the Men’s Bible Study group and volunteered regularly to support the church’s many social events and outreach activities.

Jerry had a wide range of meaningful interests and a deep appreciation for nature. He loved the changing seasons, farming, gardening, hunting, fishing, making maple syrup, skiing, and camping with his family. He also enjoyed 3-D printing, welding, cooking, woodworking, and was an avid reader and technology enthusiast. He enjoyed the challenges of figuring out how to design, fix, build, modify, improve, or restore products or processes.

Jerry also loved driving and traveling. He began driving tractors at the age of four, and moved on to go-karts, sports cars, small planes, motorcycles, boats, large tractors, and motor homes. During summers, the family camped across most of the fifty states and into Canada. Jerry and Nancy enjoyed extensive travel throughout European countries, with his favorites being Germany, Switzerland, and Spain. Some of Jerry’s most memorable trips included exploring new adventures with his children and grandchildren.

In addition to Nancy, Jerry is survived by his daughter, Dr. Jennifer (Peter) Di Rocco of Kailua, Hawaii; his son, Matthew (Tracy) Fahner of Belmont, Michigan; and his two beloved grandchildren, Mason Di Rocco, 12, and Nora Di Rocco, 10. Other family members include his sisters-in-law, Judy Post of Kentucky, Faye (Michael) Miles of Grand Rapids; Mary Kay (Frank) Schultz of Sturgis; brothers-in-law Richard Ridderman of Indiana and Ronald (Mary) Doe of Ohio, and many treasured nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Arlene Fahner; his father and mother-in-law, Richard and Ailene Doe; and his sister, Karen Ridderman.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids, 600 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids at 11 am on Monday, Oct. 5.

Visitation will be held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel at 518 Street in Eaton Rapids on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Monday, Oct. 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Eaton Rapids United Methodist Church: Food Locker Program or to the Eaton Rapids Teen Space.

To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Harold Arlo Whiting of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the age of 77. Harold was born on September 17, 1948, in Eaton Rapids, the son of Elmer and Lorraine (Deview) Whiting. He was raised in Eaton Rapids and graduated with the class of 1967.

Following high school, Harold was drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served his country while stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. After receiving his honorable discharge, Harold began a career with General Motors Fisher Body Plant, where he worked until his retirement in 1999.

Harold found great joy in the outdoors, especially fishing. He loved fishing for walleye on the Trenton River and spending time on Duck Lake, where he enjoyed catching bluegill and perch. He also took great pride in his produce garden, growing an impressive 5.5 acres of sweet corn, which he handpicked himself, along with a variety of other vegetables.

A true tinkerer, Harold could often be found in his garage working on his tractors or restoring and working on his beloved 1952 Dodge, which he affectionately named “Tinkerbell.” He enjoyed casino trips with Bev and their friends and loved traveling throughout the United States and abroad to visit his children while they served in the United States Air Force and were stationed around the world.

Above all, Harold was a devoted family man. He cherished family gatherings and treasured every opportunity to spend time with those he loved. He will be fondly remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, quick wit, and his mischievous love of playing practical jokes on just about anyone.

Harold is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Bev (Thelen) Whiting; children, Jodi (Roger) Ward, Rick (Vilma) Whiting, and Sue (Joe) Diaz; grandchildren, Carissa Diaz, Ashley Ward, Gwen Whiting, Alex Ward, Madeline Sarno, and Felicia Diaz; siblings, Elaine Blackburn, Margaret (Dan) Yerke, and Wayne Whiting; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlotte. The family will receive friends at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m., with a rosary service beginning at 4:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlotte.

To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Gene Montgomery, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on August 24, 2026, at the age of 87. He was born on August 10, 1939, in Charlotte, the son of Marvin Bruce and Mabel Imogene (Wiseman) Montgomery.

Gene was a graduate of Charlotte High School, class of 1958. On April 29, 1970, Gene married Phillis Rae Granger at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. He went on to own and operate Scott’s Roofing for many years, building a life of steady work and commitment in the community he called home.

Gene was a man who truly enjoyed life and the people in it. He loved spending time with others and found great happiness in the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and mushrooming were among his favorite pastimes, and he also enjoyed riding minibikes with his friends at Pretty Lake. Racing snowmobiles and playing fast pitch softball were also activities that brought him a great deal of enjoyment over the years. He especially loved being at his cabin on Pretty Lake, a place that held many treasured memories. Above all else Gene’s family was the most important thing in his life. He treasured each and every one of them in a special way.

Gene is survived by his wife, Phillis; daughter, Jodi (Charlie) McLean of Grand Ledge, Mark (Michele) Montgomery of Charlotte; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.

Family and friends were invited to gather for visitation on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, 206 W. Lawrence Ave, Charlotte, Michigan. A second visitation was held on Friday, August 28, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. A memorial service followed at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. A graveside service took place at Maple Hill Cemetery, 801 Tully Brown Drive, Charlotte immediately following the memorial service.

Those desiring may make contributions in Gene’s memory to Hospice of Lansing 3186 Pine Tree Road, Lansing, Michigan 48910.

To view Gene’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com

The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Funeral Services:

Charles “Chuck” Roe Cook died at home on Saturday, August 15, 2026, following a battle with cancer. Chuck was born in Muskegon on August 12, 1954, to Wade and Nancy (Francis) Cook. Just after he turned one, his parents as well as his paternal grandparents moved to Charlotte. After graduating from Charlotte High School in 1972, he attended Ferris State University but returned back to Charlotte to help in the family business. With Wade’s unexpected death in 1974, Chuck became a partner in Cook Heating and Air Conditioning with his grandfather. 

In 1980, Chuck went to the Charlotte Frontier Days Saloon where he unexpectedly ran into a former classmate, Kathie Fulton. On November 27, 1982, they were married and moved to Battle Creek. Along the way, he worked for Combined Insurance and Migala Carpet, but returned to college, attending Olivet College and making the Dean’s List every semester. He was just short of his degree in elementary education when he began working at Fulton Lumber, where he was the yard supervisor. He discovered that he loved being a “yard dog” (his term), working hard outdoors with carpenters, handymen and DIYers, before retiring in 2017. 

Chuck was a proud and loving father to Matt and Rob, and happily welcomed his two daughters-in-law, Jessica and Shannan, into the family. But he truly lost his heart to his two granddaughters, Evelo and Annabelle. His favorite activity was baking cookies with his two “sweeties”!

Over the years, his interest in sports ranged from season tickets to MIS to see NASCAR and Indy Cars, to golf (both playing and watching), and yard games. But he was a life-long Lions and Tigers fan and enjoyed an annual trip to a Tiger’s game with his sons for many years. 

Family celebrations in his childhood meant trip to Newark, Ohio for Francis gatherings or to St. Joseph for Cook gatherings. Later, after moving back to Charlotte in 1993, it meant getting together on the front porch for wonderful cook-outs. Fortunate to have lots of family in the area, his happiest times were just “hanging out”. 

Chuck instilled a solid work ethic in his children and was proud of his ability to create solutions to virtually every woodworking or building problem. He thoroughly enjoyed working with Bob, Christi, and Mike as well as both sons, and a host of nieces and nephews. He has a remarkable memory for names and faces, and always had a joke or funny story to share. During his illness, he made friends with every doctor, nurse, aide, tech and cleaner. 

Chuck is survived by his loving wife of nearly 44 years, Kathie; his sons, Matt (Jessica Hix) and Rob (Shannon); his granddaughters, Evelo and Annabelle; his sister, Cathy (Daen) Cook; his brothers, Jim (Lisa) and Bill (Meredith) Cook; sister-in-law, Christi (Tom) Dutcher, brother-in-law, Mike (Janice) Fulton; brother-in-law, Richard Butman as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents; and sister-in-law, Barbara Fulton. 

Friends are encouraged to support Chuck’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, August 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Memorial services are Saturday, August 22, at 11 a.m. at The First Congregational Church in Charlotte with Pastor Adam Droscha officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Congregational Church in Charlotte, or the Charlotte Public Schools Education Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Gary John Aaron “Hank,” 75, of Charlotte, died Thursday, August 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 4, 1951, in Oil City, Pennsylvania, the son of William R. and Mabel I. (Baughman) Aaron.

Hank graduated from West Forest High School. He moved to Michigan to work for Owens-Illinois (OI), where he worked as a machine operator. On February 24, 1973, he married Kathy Ann Hinckley. Together, they raised three sons, Joe, Bill, and Charlie.

Hank was known for his sense of humor and his ability to bring laughter to those around him. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, riding his Harley, and cheering on his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers and MSU sports teams. Above all, Hank cherished his family, especially his grandchildren.

When his boys were younger, Hank took great joy in watching them play sports. His family remembers that he was always there for everything, showing up to support his sons and later his grandchildren in all of their activities. Being present for the people he loved was simply who Hank was.

Hank will be remembered for his humor, his loyalty to his family, and the many memories he created with those closest to him. His family will forever cherish the time they shared together and the laughter that filled those moments.

Hank is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons, Joe (Tammy) Aaron, Bill (Tammy) Aaron and Chuck Aaron; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Jimmy (Sophie) Aaron, Sandy (Don) Hartsell, Barb (Steve) Czerneski, Cindy (Randy) Amsler, and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents; in-laws, Elam and Shirley Hinckley; granddaughters, Tori Aaron and Angel Aaron; brothers-in-law, Dean Hinckley, and Dan Hinckley; nieces, Gwen Hartsell and Kim Hartsell.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Oasis Senior Living and Residential Hospice for the loving care and compassion they provided to Hank and his family.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, from 10a.m. to 5 p.m., at Fox Park, Potterville, Michigan. Friends are encouraged to support Hank’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. 

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Charlotte Athletic Boosters. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Clela Lee (Gould) Shults was born on November 26, 1929, in Fulton, Kalamazoo County, Michigan to Leslie Roland and Lola Irene (Harrison) Gould. She graduated in 1947 from Charlotte High School in Charlotte, Michigan. Clela married Clifford Warren Shults in September 1949 at the Charlotte home of Clela’s aunt, Mildred Iauch.

Clela was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford; parents, Leslie and Lola (Harrison) Gould; siblings, Stanley Gould, Frances Joppie, Patrica Dane and daughter-in-law Sandra Shults. 

She is survived by her children: Carroll Shults, Christina Shults, Cindy (Bryan) Reed, Cheryl Shults, Charles (Laurie) Shults; grandchildren, Matthew (Jessica) Shults, Andrew (Carlie) Shults, Kari (Bob Davenport) Reed, Michelle (Michael) Kowalski, Matthew (Lisa) Fleming, Lindsay (Timothy) Carpenter, Aaron (Chelsie) Shults, and Patrick (Sydney) Shults; great-grandchildren, William, Elijah Shults, Preston, Iver, Ruthie, Ophelia Shults, Kiley Clark, Eden, Asher, Anna Fleming, Maeve, Hayden, Josephine, Elouise Carpenter, Aaliyah, Jocalynn, Mila Shults; great-great-grandchild Harlen; and her sister, Mildred Helen (Gould) Beebe. 

She began running a day care in 1964, caring for roughly 35 children over the next 23 years, retiring in 1987. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, and quilting. She made Christmas tree skirts for all her children, nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Friends are encouraged to support Clela’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Services were Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation was held just prior to the service from 1 to 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Hope Landing, or your favorite charity. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. 

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Funeral Services:

Duane Edward Niver Sr. (aka Butch), 88, passed away August 13, 2026. He was born September 16, 1937 in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Gerald Duane and Marian Ida (Whaley) Niver.

After graduating from Battle Creek Central High School, he worked as a short order cook at popular hamburger and soda shop the Date Bar until he began working at Kellogg’s in 1970. He spent the remainder of his career with Kellogg’s, working in the “bran shed” and proudly becoming a member of the Kellogg 25 Year Club.

He married his loving wife, Mary Ann Sheehy September 20, 1958 in Battle Creek, Michigan, and they raised their three children in Battle Creek before moving to Bellevue, Michigan in 1977.

After retirement he stayed active, from participating in Lions Club fundraising and community service efforts to finding a renewed passion for golf. He played in multiple leagues year-round from Michigan to Florida as he and Mary Ann enjoyed many years as snow birds.

He had many hobbies and interests, but foremost were the people around him. He was an invested husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was a gregarious, involved member of every group he became part of. He truly enjoyed meeting strangers and making them friends. He was a natural storyteller, quick to find commonalities with anyone he talked to. He liked making babies laugh and making someone else’s day a little better.

Duane was preceded in death by parents Gerald and Marian, wife Mary Ann, and brothers David and Donald Niver. He is survived by sister Jeri Ann Boblenz, sons Duane (Betty) Niver Jr., Dennis Niver, daughter Suzanna Smith, and grand and great-grandchildren.

The family has chosen to remember Duane privately at this time. Memorial contributions may be shared with the Lions Club of Bellevue or the Bellevue Methodist Church Freestore.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, and to share memories and pictures with the family.  

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Funeral Services:

Corey Jesse “Jess” Smith, age 94, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026. He was born on April 10, 1932, in Cedar, Michigan, and spent his early years in Haslett and Traverse City, Michigan, before eventually making Charlotte, Michigan, his home with his wife Lois, before her passing in 2011.

Jess was a graduate of Traverse City Senior High School and went on to attend Michigan State University, where he excelled as an athlete at both places. Throughout his life, he was a hardworking, generous, and community-minded man who found meaning in staying involved and helping others.

Jess was a longtime member of the Lions Club and Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. He was also involved with mentoring programs, the Red Cross, and numerous volunteer efforts. He was known for going out of his way to make a difference in the lives of others, whether through volunteering, sending Christmas cards, yardwork, or simply being there for the people around him.

Jess had many interests and passions throughout his life. He loved watching sports, he loved hunting, he loved spending time at his up north cabin, spending time with his grandchildren, and took pride in owning a golf course in his early years. He treasured time spent with family and looked forward to his family reunions and the opportunity to bring everyone together. After many years of working, Jess eventually retired from Growers Service Agricultural Group, but he never truly stopped being active in his community or in the lives of those he loved. After his retirement he went on to work part-time for Russell and Schrader Insurance in Charlotte.

Family was an especially important part of Jess’s life. He is survived by his oldest surviving son, Corey Scott Smith (Julie). Corey Scott’s children, Jess’s grandchildren, include Ryan (Abby) and Scott Smith (Nicole). Ryan’s children, Jess’s great- grandchildren, are Sonia and Ginny. Scott’s children, Jess’s great-grandchildren, are Micah and Lauren. He is also survived by his second oldest son, James Smith (Julie), and his next surviving son, Michael Smith. His youngest surviving son, Carey Smith (Christina), and their children, Jess’s grandchildren, are Jayden Mann (Brendan), Shayne Smith, Jasmin Pena (Blake), Augastine Mollette (Dallas), and Christony Pena (Ryan). Augastine Mollette’s children, Jess’s great- grandchildren, are Waylon and Maleana. Jess is also survived by his grandchildren Jake Smith and Chelsea Barton-Smith. He is also survived by his last remaining sibling, Dorothy Rhode, with whom he spent many of his summers and free time, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Corey Smith and Frances Bartunek Wilsey Smith; his wife, Lois Smith; his son, Charles Smith; siblings Elenore, Raymond, Benjamin, Evelyn, Leonard, Marie, Beulah, Helen, and Jean; his grandson, Tyler James Smith; and other beloved family members.

Jess leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless acts of kindness, and a family and community that will miss him dearly. His dedication to helping others, his love of family, and the many simple ways he showed he cared will remain a part of the lives of those who knew him.

More than anything, Jess will be remembered for the life he lived, the people he helped, and the lasting impact he made on the people fortunate enough to know him.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church with Pastor John Messner officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Burial will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions in Jess’s memory to Lawrence Avenue Methodist Church, 210 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.

To view Jess’s obituary online or to leave condolences for the family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Funeral Services:

Robert C. Youngs, known to friends and family as “Bob,” passed away unexpectedly Aug. 10, 2026, while camping with family in Traverse City. He was 71. 

Bob was born Jan. 13, 1955, at Community Hospital in Battle Creek to Martin A. “Ozzie” and Pauline “Polly” (Ghastin) Youngs. He was baptized at St. Jerome Catholic Church and received First Communion there in 1963. Bob married the former Anna Davis on April 12, 1975, at St. Philip Catholic Church.

He attended school at St. Jerome in his youth and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1973. Later in life, Bob returned to the classroom and earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in robotics from Kellogg Community College in 1989.

From 1978 to 2018, Bob gave nearly 40 continuous years of service to Canadian National Railway, first working as a laborer and later as a machinist and signal maintainer before retiring as a signal technician.

While working in Signals and Communications for CN, he most often looked after the railroad signals and crossings throughout Eaton County and in the Bellevue, Charlotte, Potterville, and Dimondale areas.

Bob had many interests in his life, including spending time with family, vintage motorcycles, bluegrass music, the music of George Strait, Harry Chapin, Willie Nelson, Bob Seger and Alison Krauss, railroads and trains, watching the Detroit Tigers and NASCAR races, tinkering in his garage, and camping. Above all, he will be fondly remembered for his willingness to help others and his enthusiastic love of his grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife of 51 years, Anna, and his children Robert Youngs Jr. (Heather) of Mulliken and Amy Keene (Daniel) of Vicksburg. He is also survived by a sister, Nancy Downs of Battle Creek, and grandchildren Lilly, Lucas, Henry, Leighton, and Liam. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, John Youngs, and a sister, Carol Dobos.

Visitation will be held Aug. 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, 223 Bedford Road N., Battle Creek. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Aug. 25 at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 229 Collier Ave., Battle Creek. Interment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens, 1490 E. Michigan Ave, Battle Creek.

A memorial luncheon at the church will be held after interment. Suggested charitable causes to support in Bob’s memory would be the American Red Cross, the Humane Society of South-Central Michigan, Haven of Rest Ministries, the Father Fred Foundation, or WhyHunger. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bachman Hebble Funeral Service.

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Funeral Services:

Dale Edward Barr Sr., 87, of Olivet, Michigan, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Dale was born January 4, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Joseph D. and Nora V. (Peters) Barr. He graduated from Rockford High School in 1959 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Olivet College in 1962. He later attended Eastern Michigan University, where he earned his master’s degree in education in 1969.

Dale married Judy Sharrell (Barnett) on June 16, 1979, in Olivet. 

He dedicated much of his career to education, he started his teaching career with Olivet Schools, where he later became the principal. In 1987 he became the principal of Harrison High School until his retirement in 1995. Dale and Judy rarely missed their grandchildren’s school or sporting events. In 2007 they purchased a place in Florida, and they enjoyed nearly 20 years of warm winters and making new and long-lasting friendships with their North Ft. Myers neighbors. 

Throughout his life, Dale was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of the Jaycees, served on the Walton Township Board of Review, was a township trustee, and served on the Olivet School Board. He also served as a Milford councilman, an Eaton County commissioner, and as an Olivet firefighter. Dale also enjoyed coaching softball for many years, sharing his love of the game with generations of players.

Outside of work and community service, Dale enjoyed living life to the fullest. He loved golf and traveling, listening to Elvis’s music, and playing bocce ball. He had a competitive spirit and enjoyed a little good-natured one-upmanship. Dale was an avid University of Michigan fan. Those who knew him will remember him for his sense of humor, his pride in the Barr family, and his ability to live in the moment and make the most of every day.

Dale will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. As he looked forward to it, may he now soar with the eagles.

Dale is survived by his children; daughter, Deborah Barr; sons, Dale (Debbie) Barr, Jr., Trent (Cheryl) Smith, and Kermit Smith; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; half-sister, Nancy (Bob) Walters; sister-in-law, Susan Barnett; son-in-law, Jack Stults; daughter-in-law, Angel Whitman; nieces, nephews; extended family, and close friends, Chuck and Charlene Cilibraise, Pat Foreman and Hank, many Florida friends, and his dog, Sophie. He was predeceased by his wife, Judy, his parents; daughter, Kim Stults, and son, Bret Barr.

Friends are encouraged to support Dale’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Monday, August 17, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Olivet Congregational Church with Rev. Mike Fales officiating. Interment will follow at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Dale’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). 

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Barr/Van Dyke Principal Leadership Award payable to the Marshall Community Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.