Obituaries
Jerry Lee Case
Jerry Lee Case of Charlotte, MI, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the age of 54. He was born on August 7, 1969, in Hastings, MI, to Clayton and Vivian (Benton) Case. Jerry grew up in Hastings and graduated with the class of 1987. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marines, where he served with dedication until a motorcycle accident ended his military career. Jerry was a devoted soldier who took immense pride in his service to the country.
Jerry spent his professional career at Pro Tech Manufacturing, where he worked as a welder, later becoming a supervisor, and eventually concluded his career in maintenance. Jerry had a talent for making things and loved building and remodeling. He was passionate about the outdoors and cherished every moment he could spend outside. Jerry enjoyed camping, tending to his lawn, and finding peace while riding his lawnmower. In his youth, he loved taking trips with friends to the sand dunes at Crystal Lake, where he would ride his quad. Above all, Jerry was a devoted husband and son who was very loving.
Jerry was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, grandparents; father, Bud Case; sister-in-law, Stacey Holt; mother-in-law, Mary Holt; and his beloved dogs, Bailey and Rusty. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn “Nicky” Case; sisters, Pam (Michael) Wireman, Linda Smith, and Sue Dryer; in-laws, Scott Holt, Sherry (William Stayley) Holt, Kenny Holt, Jerry (Lori) Meredith, and Vicky Benning; his dogs, Griffith, Rippley, and Tobey; and numerous nieces and nephews.
At this time, no services are scheduled for Jerry. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Veteran Foundation or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in his memory. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
James Henry Noyes II
James Henry Noyes II of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 15, 2024, at the age of 82. Jim was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on December 14, 1941, the son of Robert Verrel and Retha (Magnusson) Noyes. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, class of 1960, attended Ferris State in Commercial Art, and graduated from Western Michigan University in 1972. He later went on to obtain his master’s in education from Michigan State University. Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963 in the Berlin buildup. He was a member of the Kalamazoo County Water Safety and Recovery Association as well as the Kalamazoo Scuba Diving Denizens who volunteered for the county. Jim was a Commercial Artist for Clearwater Associates in Kalamazoo and Perrigo Company in Allegan before becoming the woodshop teacher at Eaton Rapids Middle School. He is remembered for teaching students how to read a ruler and for establishing Noyes’ Knotheads, a group of outstanding students who helped maintain and improve the school by building benches, display cases, shelving, repairing desks and chairs, and paneling the conference room. During his time at Eaton Rapids Public Schools he led the Middle School Cross-Country Ski Club, co-founded the Middle School Space Camp program, was a Boy Scout leader, and soccer coach. Jim’s love for aviation led him to fulfill his dream of owning a hot air balloon and becoming a Balloon Pilot. Once he retired, Jim volunteered for the Kalamazoo Air Zoo in the aircraft Restoration Department. He was a member of the St. Peter Catholic Church, he sang in the choir and was a religious education teacher. One of Jim’s greatest gifts was his artistic talent. He loved to paint, draw, and build beautiful furniture and woodworkings. Jim was also a passionate photographer and could always be seen with a camera in his hand. He loved to gift his creations to his friends, family and community. He created the wooden Oakwood Cemetery sign and Welcome to Eaton Rapids signs that can be found on the boundaries of town.
Jim’s most precious joy was his family. The love he had for his wife, children and grandchildren surpassed all else. Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara (Curran) Noyes of Eaton Rapids; sons, Jon (Yu Man Lee) Noyes, Jerry (Chrissie) Noyes; grandchildren, Keenan (Taylor), Connor, Caitlyn, Robert and Caylee Noyes, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and the Curran clan. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Robert William and Marie Noyes.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. with Fr. Alan Wakefield presiding. Visitation was held at Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Friday July 26, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. as well as one hour prior to the mass at St. Peter Catholic Church. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery immediately following the mass. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans or St. Vincent de Paul of Eaton Rapids in loving memory of James Henry Noyes. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Percy Harold Watson
Percy Harold Watson, a beloved resident of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the age of 91. Born on May 24, 1933, in Marion, MI, Percy was the son of James and Fayetta (Oles) Watson. He grew up in Marion, graduating with the class of 1951.
Percy began his career as a meat cutter in Marion before enlisting in the United States Navy, where he served as a cook during the Korean War. His dedication to service spanned 44 years, encompassing both active duty and reserve roles. Professionally, Percy spent the majority of his life as a pipe fitter for Consumers Power, working in the oil fields. His industrious nature was evident when he built his own home in Hamilton, MI, handling all aspects of construction, including plumbing and electrical work.
In addition to his full-time job, Percy founded Watson Aviation, where he taught aspiring pilots and managed several rental properties over the years. He was also a passionate musician, teaching polka dancing and playing the harmonica with the Rose City Harmonica Club, performing at numerous community centers and living facilities.
Percy was deeply involved in his community, often assuming leadership roles in various organizations. He cherished vacationing, spending summers at Lake McCoy in Leroy, MI, and winters in Zephyrhills, FL. Percy was honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Eaton Rapids Fourth of July and Memorial Day parades five times.
Known for his outgoing personality, Percy had a unique ability to connect with people everywhere he went. He is survived by his loving wife of 16 months, Dorrie (Joslin) Watson; his daughters, Diane (Mark) Maxey and Donna (Randy) Newsome; his son, Danny (Natashia) Watson; and his grandchildren, Travis Newsome, Danial Watson, and Jake Watson. He is also survived by four stepchildren, 15 step-grandchildren, and 13 step-great-grandchildren. Percy was preceded in death by his first wife, Wanda Watson; his grandson, Jeremiah Newsome; and his sister, Blanch Loebrick.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in memory of Percy. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Robert Allan Seaks
Robert “Bob” Allan Seaks passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at the age of 68. Born on May 9, 1956, in Eaton Rapids, he was the eldest child of Charles and Sonja (Miller) Seaks. Bob grew up in Eaton Rapids and graduated with the Class of 1974. He went on to attend Michigan State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science.
After graduating, Bob joined his parents, Chuck and Sonja, at Seaks Insurance in Eaton Rapids, where he worked for nearly 45 years. A passionate MSU athletics fan, Bob cherished his college years with the 1979 National Championship team. He traveled extensively with the team, forming lasting relationships with the coaching staff and players. Bob also attended the 1988 Rose Bowl, numerous Final Fours, Big Ten tournaments, and countless regular-season games across the country.
Bob’s love for travel was evident in his many trips to watch March Madness basketball in Las Vegas with his son, Caleb. He also visited Scotland with his wife, Bonnie, where they watched the 150th Open Championship at the Old Course in St. Andrews.
Known for his outgoing personality, Bob never met a stranger. He had a remarkable ability to remember names and enjoyed conversations with everyone he met. His passions included horse racing, music, especially smooth jazz, and animals, with a particular fondness for his beloved dog, Whisper. Bob also had an appreciation for fine dining and was a connoisseur of restaurants.
Above all, Bob was a devoted father, husband, son, and friend. His loss will be deeply felt by all who loved him, but his memory will live on in their hearts forever.
Bob is survived by his wife of 38 years, Bonnie Seaks; children, Caitlin (Colin) Finch, Briana (Brandon) Dykstra, and Caleb (Shelbi Rushing) Seaks; grandchildren, Asher, Jane, and Eden Dykstra; mother, Sonja Seaks; brother, Kevin Seaks; sisters, Lynn Seaks and Deb (Rick) Smith; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2024, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Haslett, MI, with visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church in memory of Bob. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Dianne June Webb
Dianne June Webb, age 75, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 12, 2024. She was born January 4, 1949, in Charlotte the daughter of Thomas and Alice (Smith) Mills. Dianne will always be remembered as being a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She adored her family and each and every one was precious in her sight. Dianne took great pride in her flower gardens and enjoyed tending to them. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing poker and other games with her family and friends.
Dianne is survived by her children, Regina (Greg) Winegar of Charlotte, Jon (Tina) Evert of Charlotte; grandchildren, Ashley (Joshua) Melton, Douglas Berry, Ciara Holder, Jordan (Erica) Valero; great-grandchildren, Courtney Thornberry, Elizabeth Thornberry, Eric Valero; siblings, Vicki Ball, Jacqueline (Jeff) Sage, Barbara Wells, Randy (Carla) Mills; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Douglas Mills, Donny Mills; brothers-in-law, Brian Ball, and Gary Wells.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Charlotte Eagle’s-Aerie 3552, 116 Lansing Street, Charlotte, MI 48813.
Those desiring may make contributions in Dianne’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association or the Eaton County Humane Society.
To view Dianne’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.