Obituaries
Allen James Lawton
Allen James Lawton, 69, of Leslie, Michigan passed at McLaren Hospital, due to coronary artery disease, on December 3, 2022. Allen was born in Albion, Michigan on June 26, 1953 to Cecil and Dorothy Lawton. Allen grew up in Springport, Michigan and graduated from Springport High School. In 1985 he married the love of his life, Debbie. He worked and later retired from Barns Aerospace in Lansing. Following his retirement he spent his time fishing, and reading books. His favorite pastime of all was riding around the countryside with Debbie. Anyone that knew Allen, knew that he was fiercely stubborn, and that stubborn spirit will be missed greatly.
Allen is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Guy Lawton and Tammy Lawton. Allen is survived by his wife of 37 years, Debbie Lawton; son, Jayme Lawton of New York; stepsons, Tony Haley of Mason, Michigan, Jim Haley (Jennifer) of Leslie, Michigan; grandchildren, Michael (Courtney) Dunn-Haley of Sparta, Michigan, Ethan Haley of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, and Emma Haley of Eaton Rapids, Michigan; honorary grandchildren, Tanner and Trenten; and great-grandchild, Sierra Dunn-Haley.
There are no services planned at this time.
Jerry Allen Austin
Jerry Allen Austin, age 77, died peacefully at home on December 2, 2022, and is now with his Lord Jesus Christ. Jerry was born to Donald Virgil Austin and Marjorie Belle Herrick on April 3, 1945.
He is predeceased by his parents; brothers, Larry and Gaylord; son, Mike JA Austin; and granddaughter, Harper Jean. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Robin, whom he married on July 27, 1991. He is also survived by his children: Dodie (Brian) Putney, Kelly (Scott) Moseng, Jason Austin, Donald Austin, Mikayla (Taylor) Chase; daughter-in-law, Shelly Austin; 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Jerry dropped out of school in the eighth grade. He enlisted in the US Army in 1962 and was honorably discharged in 1968 with the rank of staff sergeant. He served in the Guards for many years afterwards. He had many jobs throughout his life but really liked driving semi-trucks with over 50 years of driving under his belt. He started his own company in 1997. He often liked to say he was a paid professional tourist.
There will be a Celebration of Life service for Jerry at 11:00 a.m. on December 17, 2022. It will be held at Celebration Church at 4012 Marshall Road, Charlotte, MI 48813. A dinner will follow. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pawsibilities in Olivet, MI or a charity of your choice.
Kali R. Clark
Kali R. Clark, age 30, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on December 4, 2022. She was born on June 30, 1992, in Jackson, Michigan, daughter of Anthony Clark and Dawn Harwood. Kali graduated from Western High School in Parma; Class of 2010. After graduation she continued her education and received an associate degree in accounting from Baker College.
Kali began working in the office at Farm Bureau. She earned her CDL to begin a new career at Charlotte Public Schools in the Transportation department. Her children always remained her focus. Kali was an incredible mom, devoting her life to her children.
Kali was proud of her homestead, which she called Wits’ End Homestead. She loved animals and was teaching her children how to care for their menagerie of animals including pigs, goats, ducks, and chickens. As a child Kali participated in 4H which is where she developed her value of raising animals.
Kali loved to be outdoors. She enjoyed camping, swimming, and hunting. She liked the thrill of hunting and was ecstatic when she got her first deer last year. Kali was the life of the party and always had a great time. Her outgoing and vibrant personality made everyone want to be her friend. Kali was goofy and loved joking around. She was a joyful, smart, and dedicated mother, daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter, and friend.
Kali is survived by her children, Camdon, Beau, Jaxon, and Hayden; her parents, Anthony (Jody) Clark and Dawn (Rex Rainey) Clark; her grandparents, Melvin Clark and Dianne Harwood; her siblings, Siera (Alex) Whitney and Brent (Ashley) Clark; and her boyfriend Kyle Kiplinger. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandmother Sandra Clark and her grandfather Larry Harwood.
Amy Jo Mulholland
Amy Jo Mulholland, a simple, down to earth, wife, sister, and friend, died on Sunday, November 27, 2022. Amy, 56, of Charlotte, was born August 16, 1966, in Lansing, MI, the daughter of Duane and Margaret (Harder) Mulholland. She was a graduate of Potterville High School and shortly after graduation began working as a Title Clerk for Bill Snethkamp Chrysler and Dodge, where she worked for 35 years. On June 14, 2019, Amy married her longtime companion and the love of her life, Scott Thompson. Many will remember Amy’s stubbornness, and happy go lucky personality. Amy loved her monthly girls’ luncheons around town, the annual city-wide garage sale where she would take four days off work to make sure she hit every sale, and her love that she showed to her animals.
Amy is survived by her husband, Scott Thompson; sister, Lori Rock; nephews, Ryan, and Cory Rock. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Dennis Stump; and her grandmother, June Mulholland.
Friends are encouraged to support Amy’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Per Amy’s wishes there will be no services held at this time. After the holidays a gathering will be planned. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Frances Ruth DeBar
Frances Ruth DeBar of Lakeside, CA, formerly of Charlotte, born May 13, 1935, passed away on November 15, 2022. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home.