Obituaries
Dennis Smith
Dennis Allen Smith, age 69, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side. He was born May 31, 1952, in Lansing, the son of Aubrey and Kathlyne (Bishop) Smith. On September 11, 1971, he married Linda Lee Ray in Charlotte. Dennis was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren perform at their dance competitions and bowling tournaments. When he was not working, Dennis enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling and bowling. He always looked forward to his yearly fishing trips up north with Pastor Todd and members of Faith Assembly of God. Dennis proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He retired after 32 years of service from General Motors in Lansing.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda; daughters: Denise (Josh) Neusbaum, Diane (Edward Hoxworth) Smith; grandchildren: Abbi (Dillon Domack) Neusbaum, Alyssa (George Hammond) Cornell, Gage Neusbaum; great granddaughter: Aurora Domack; sister, Karen Smith; brothers: Steve Smith, David Smith; in-laws: Dawn (David) Moore, Kriss (John) DePue, Felix (Cathie) Ray; special friends: Tim and Dawn Kepler, Jim and Addriett Balgoyen, Orval and Robin Whitmore, Vince and Sue Lettau, Ron (Ruth) Puffpaff; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and granddaughter, Bailey Rae Fletcher.
Funeral services were held on Friday, April 1, 2022, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Todd McLane officiating. The family received friends two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial took place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Dennis’s honor to the VA Hospice House in Battle Creek.
To view Dennis’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Marlene Wilber
Marlene Wilber, age 54, died in Cadillac, Michigan on March 21, 2022. Marlene was born December 14, 1967. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1986. No services are planned at this time.
Lillian Slater
Lillian Slater, 91, of Charlotte, died March 27, 2022. She was a line worker at Owens Illinois. Funeral services were held March 31, 2022.
Richard Moulton
Richard C. Moulton was born in Owosso, Michigan, on July 3, 1937. Richard was the first son of Lloyd M. Moulton and Edith E. (Bailey) Moulton. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Robert L. Moulton, and his two children, Kyle R. Moulton and Kristen R. Moulton. Richard is survived by his wife, Shirley Jean (Swanson) Moulton; and two grandchildren, Andrew J. Moulton and Lauren J. (Moulton) Anderson (Josh).
Richard and Shirley met in high school (Lansing Eastern) but didn’t date until a year or so later after a chance meeting at the Lake Lansing Amusement Park. They were married on March 30, 1957. For the first five years of their marriage, Richard worked for the Michigan State Highway Department (now MDOT), first as a surveyor helper and then in the office for the local government division. On October 1, 1962 he began what became a 35-year career in the life insurance industry. He began his career with the John Hancock Life Insurance Company as a salesman for four years and then a unit manager for the next three years. On October 1, 1969, he joined the Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company in their training department. In 1972, he became a marketing specialist in the company’s annuity division. Here, Richard found his true calling. For the next 25 years in a row, Richard qualified for the National Quality Award and the Million Dollar Round Table. In his last five years before his retirement, he also qualified for the Top of the Table Award. At that time the T.O.T. was the highest marketing award attainable in the life and annuity industry.
Richard, along with Shirley, enjoyed traveling and did so extensively both nationally and internationally. In retirement, they traveled the entire contiguous US in their RV. Together, they enjoyed the theater (both Broadway and local), and motorsports (mostly NASCAR). For a time, Richard also owned, operated, and drove for his own racing team. Richard came out of his 15-year retirement at age 75 to drive a semi-truck. Richard was fortunate to work for Pat Reilly/Mann Brothers Trucking for the next eight years, until at age 82, when he was diagnosed with cancer. Richard was a grand and humorous storyteller and was exceptionally loyal to his friends and family.
Richard passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family, on March 12, 2022. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to The Salvation Army Lansing Capital Area, 525 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI 48912 or online at www.centralusa.salvationarmy.org. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl Street/P.O. Box 235, Springport, MI 49284. 517-857-4848.
James Vogel II
James H. Vogel II went home to be with the Lord Saturday afternoon, March 26, 2022, surrounded by his wife and family members.
Born on September 10, 1947 in Mt. Pleasant, MI, to James Henry Vogel and Alma Mae (Gross) Vogel, he grew up there where he attended school and graduated in 1965. He then joined the Army and served in Vietnam.
Upon returning home, he began working at Oldsmobile and married Gladys Perez. They had five children. In 1989, he took the GM buy-out and moved his family back to Mt. Pleasant where he purchased and operated Stan’s restaurant. After the marriage ended, he moved back to the Lansing area.
He married Diane (Wawiernia) Kirby Weaver. They lived in Charlotte for a time and then built a house outside Eaton Rapids. They enjoyed traveling and camping with the dogs, and just going for drives. They purchased guitars and each learned to play.
Jim could fix anything, build anything, and was always there to help anyone who asked. His favorite thing was time spent with grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his widow, Diane; daughters Christine (Parsons), Michelle, and Johanna; sons Jim (Jennifer), Matt (Michelle); stepdaughters Erin (Cameron) Bramer, and Jess (Joe) Carey; and stepson, Ben (Kayla) Kirby; eleven grandchildren; his sister, Nan Topor, and brother Jack; two nephews and a niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a niece, Anna Demrell, as well as her father, Steve Topor.
Jim’s greatest passion was the Gospel and sharing the Good News with others. When asked about a funeral, he said, “Nope. Everybody should know what I stand for and what I would say: Come to Jesus!” And he calls to us from the other side, “Come to Jesus!”
Jim designated that his body be donated to science, so even after he has left this world, he continues to be of use and help to others.
Those wishing to make a charitable contribution in Jim’s honor may consider Voice of the Martyrs or Samaritan’s Purse. Also gifts to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of Lansing would be appropriate and appreciated.