Obituaries
David Leroy VerPlank
David Leroy VerPlank, age 66, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 2, 2025. He was born March 23, 1958, in Charlotte, the son of Robert and Evelyn (Imes) VerPlank. David attended Olivet Schools where he went on to graduate from high school. He enjoyed spending time outdoors. Whether it was hunting, fishing, mushrooming, gardening, or grilling, David loved them all. He always was a talented wine maker and enjoyed sampling his creations.
David is survived by his siblings, Mary (Lynn) Brown of Pembrooke, Kentucky, Catherine Campbell of Olivet, Patricia (Edwardo) Encinas of Portal, Arizona; best friend, Kevin Root; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Gaylord Campbell.
In keeping with the family’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services are being planned at this time.
Those desiring may make contributions in David’s memory to the Eaton County Humane Society 129 N. Main Street, Olivet, MI 49076.
To view David’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Alan Dale Sinclair
We celebrate the beautiful life of Alan Dale Sinclair, a humble and hardworking man who brought joy and warmth to everyone around him. Born on June 14th, 1949, in Battle Creek, MI, Alan’s journey was filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories until his peaceful passing on December 15th, 2024, in Charlotte, MI.
Alan’s dedication to hard work was evident in his long-standing career at General Motors, where he began as a laborer in 1968 and retired in 1999. His passion for the outdoors was unmatched; he cherished moments cutting wood, sipping a cold beer, and tending to his bountiful garden that could feed the entire neighborhood. In his younger years, Alan embraced farm life, raising pigs, cattle, and horses.
Music was a constant companion for Alan, who often had a guitar in his hands. He delighted many with his talent, playing in numerous local venues throughout his life. Alan also found joy in hunting, fishing for bluegills, and spending time with his beloved brothers.
Some of Alan’s most treasured moments were spent with his family. Wednesday night bowling with his son Mike, playing Euchre during holiday gatherings, and Father’s Day weekends at Bass Camp on Martini Lake were among his favorite traditions.
Alan’s family meant the world to him. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Jacquelin A. Sinclair; his sons, Brad Sinclair, Michael Sinclair, Marc Sinclair, and Brian Sinclair; his daughter, Audrey Brayton; and his cherished grandchildren, Bradley, Madison, Jackson, Dylan, Emily, Michael II, Jade, Logan, Jordan, Taylor, Celina, Wyatt, Zack, and Cody. He also leaves behind his siblings: brother Glen Sinclair, sisters Nancy Gyger and Elaine Canfield. Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Donald, and Leona (Pollack) Sinclair; and his brother, Duane Sinclair.
Alan’s humble spirit and hardworking nature left a lasting impact on all who knew him. His legacy of love, joy, and dedication continues to inspire his family and friends. As we remember Alan, we celebrate the beautiful life he lived and the countless happy memories he gifted us.
A visitation to honor and celebrate Alan’s life was held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A funeral service was held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 12 Noon at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment will followed at Bosworth Cemetery. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jerry Leon Leonard
Jerry Leon Leonard, a family man who always put his family first, died on Monday, December 23, 2024. Jerry, 84, of Charlotte, was born on September 12, 1940, in Pocahontas, Arkansas, the son of Herbert and Rheta (Frazier) Leonard. He was one of eight children. His childhood days were spent between Lansing and Pocahantas, because his father worked at Fisher Body in the winter and was a cotton farmer back home in Arkansas. He graduated from Eastern High School in 1959. He was very proud of this accomplishment because he was the first person from his family to graduate high school. Following graduation Jerry enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served in active duty and later the reserves. On August 20, 1960, Jerry married Catherine Oakley and together they spent the next 56 years creating many lasting memories.
Jerry was known as a hardworking man that could do anything. His working career began selling newspapers for the Lansing State Journal. Later, bagging groceries at Wrigley Supermarket. In 1960, he began working at Oldsmobile, where he worked as a Machine Repairman until his retirement in 1990. While working for Oldsmobile, Jerry also ran his own ceramic tile business. Jerry was always working on something and after retirement he enjoyed woodworking in his shop. In his younger years Jerry enjoyed playing and managing softball teams, playing on bowling leagues, and was a part-owner of an open wheeled modified race car. For a short time, he enjoyed hunting, but decided to give it up because his family did not enjoy venison. Jerry enjoyed his annual fishing trip up north with the guys, where they would catch a lot of fish and enjoy their time away. He was a car enthusiast and over the years he had an impressive collection of cars. Jerry and Cathy enjoyed traveling the USA and their camping adventures. They were both avid NASCAR fans as well. Above all the biggest enjoyment in life for Jerry came from his family. He was always cheering from the stands at sporting events and never missed a game.
Jerry is survived by his daughter, Kellie (Kevin) Ellis; daughter-in-law, Debbie Leonard; grandchildren, Courtney (Chris) Munson, Michele (Charles) McMillan, Mason (Brandon) Leonard, and Erin Ellis (Justin Black); great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Skylar, and Colton; siblings, Kenneth, Connie, Donnie, and Dale Leonard. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Cathy; son, Michael; siblings, Lonnie, Ron, and Doyle Leonard; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Jerry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will be held Spring of 2025. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Kathi Jean Hicks
Kathi Jean Hicks, age 67, passed from this earth into the loving arms of Jesus on January 7, 2025. She was born to Darrell Hicks and Virginia (Hisler) Hicks on November 12,1957, in Clearwater, Florida. Kathi attended school in Potterville and later at Eaton Intermediate School in Charlotte, MI. She worked at McDonalds and Peckham Industries for many years. Kathi was a member of the Bellevue Church of Christ.
Kathi enjoyed traveling, going out to eat, and going to church services. Kathi participated in the Special Olympics for several years and was very proud of her medals. She loved her word search books, Garfield, Charlie Brown, and Snoopy comics. Kathi always looked forward to getting the Sunday newspaper so she could read the comics and cut out coupons. She loved parties and family dinners, especially if Bingo was involved. Kathi loved her family and loved being an aunt.
Kathi was predeceased by her parents Darrell and Virginia Hicks. She will be remembered by her sister Julie (Hicks) Carpenter, brother-in-law Jerry Carpenter, her brother Jeff Hicks, her sister Kristi (Hicks) Klaiss and brother-in-law Brian Klaiss. Kathi will also be remembered by several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
Funeral Services will be held at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo in Charlotte, Michigan, on Monday, January 13, 2025, with Jeff Whitson officiating. The family will receive friends and family for two hours, starting at 10:00 a.m. with the service at 12:00 p.m. A luncheon will follow directly after the service at the Bellevue Church of Christ, located at 22980 13 Mile (Sand) Road, Bellevue, MI. The burial will be at the Kalamo Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo Township.
If so desired, donations can be made to Saved by Zade (cat rescue, PO Box 448, Leslie, Mi 49251), Pawsibilities in Olivet, MI, or Helping Hands in Charlotte, MI.
To view Kathi’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.
Alfrava Marie Latham
Alfrava Marie Latham, age 87, of Charlotte was welcomed home into the loving arms of her Savior on Monday, December 23, 2024. She was born on January 26, 1937, in Castleton Township, Barry County, Michigan, the daughter of Charles and Marie D. (Duever) Latham. Alfrava taught English-Literature in Charlotte for over 50 years. She loved her students and providing them with a solid educational foundation was very important to her. After her retirement she enjoyed traveling with friends. She was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church and loved her church family very much.
Alfrava is survived by her cousins, John House, Paul House, Elizabeth Aldridge; and her Calvary Baptist Church family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; half-brother, Earl Latham; and half-sister, Elizabeth Latham Morrow.
Funeral services were held on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Potter officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Yankee Springs Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Alfrava’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church, 825 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Alfrava’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.