Charles Hugh Cartwright

Charles Hugh Cartwright, age 93, died on Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Eaton Rapids. Chuck was born on November 24, 1928, to Ward and Lurene (Morrow) Cartwright in Piqua, Ohio. He married Betty Ann Hulsmeyer of Anna, Ohio, on May 1, 1949. In 1951, he joined the Air Force as a photographer and served four proud years, including one year in the Korean War, until he was honorably discharged in 1955. He earned several honors, including the Korean Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He then attended Elkhart University and became a medical lab technician. Chuck and Betty moved to Eaton Rapids in 1957 when Chuck began work at Eaton Rapids Community Hospital (now Eaton Rapids Medical Center). He became an administrator at the hospital a few years later, and in 1966, he became the first administrator of the Eaton County Medical Care Facility (now Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services). He worked there until he retired in 1990.
In his younger days, Chuck enjoyed riding his tandem bicycle with Betty around town, swimming in the family pool on summer evenings after work, taking car trips to visit relatives in Ohio, and doing chores outside around his home. In his golden years, he played golf at Bonnie View Golf Course as often as he could, spent winters in Alabama and Florida, and visited family around the country. Eaton Rapids held a special place in his life, where he served on the Zoning Board of Appeals, attended parades and holiday celebrations, and was always ready to help his neighbors. He was a staunch supporter of Eaton Rapids athletics, even after his children grew up and finished school. He enjoyed playing many spirited games of Euchre and Hasenpfeffer with friends; he and Frank Bonta faced off against their wives, Betty and Pat, each week for many years. Saturday nights always meant watching Lawrence Welk on TV, and every day was good for watching birds, especially cardinals. The greatest sources of pride in his life were his military service and his family. His collection of Air Force baseball caps was extensive and his favorite conversation starter, and he could recite his service number without a moment’s pause. Having grandchildren softened him in a way that nothing else could, and his granddaughters and grandson never failed to make him laugh and smile.
Chuck is survived by his wife Betty (Hulsmeyer) Cartwright, of Eaton Rapids; his daughter Lori (Eric) Maxey, of Grand Rapids; his son Bruce (Deb) Cartwright, of Littleton, Colorado; his son-in-law Andrew Curtin, of North Yarmouth, Maine; his daughter-in-law Peggy Cartwright, of Mason; his sister Sara Lou and his half-brother Carl (Linda); ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Cynthia Cartwright, his son Craig Cartwright, and his siblings Daniel, Martha, and Joseph.
A memorial service for Chuck will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, 600 S. Main St., with visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., a celebration of life service beginning at 11 a.m., and a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids or the Eaton Rapids Senior Center.