Obituaries
Arthur L. Clark
Arthur Lee Clark, age 72, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 26, 2021. He was born April 7, 1949, in Lansing, the son of Richard and Carla (Hodge) Clark. He graduated from Lansing Sexton High School in 1967. Art proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His favorite pastime was hanging out with his family whenever he was able. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, grilling, and making people laugh. April Fool’s Day was his most favorite holiday. Art retired from Walmart after many faithful years of service in the floor maintenance department. Art had a heart of gold and would always see to it that everyone was taken care of even if it was to his own detriment.
Art is survived by his children: Travis Clark of Charlotte, Adam (Beth) Clark of Charlotte, Kelly Clark of Charlotte; step-children: Cheri (Brad) Cook, David Griffith, Travis (Kershana) Griffith; 11 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Toni (Mike) Hurl of Lansing; brother, Tim Clark of Lansing; honorary daughter, Katrina Willoughby; and several nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wives: Barb Clark in 1986, Wanita Clark on June 6, 2021; brother, Bruce Clark; and step-son, Jim Griffith.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, October 8, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Mich. The family asks that all those planning to attend the graveside service to please arrive at least 15 minutes early. There will also be a memorial gathering held on Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the American Legion Post 42 in Charlotte.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Art’s memory to the family or the charity of their choice.
To view Art’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.
Jacob L. Lincoln
Jacob Lee Lincoln, 36, a guy with a magnetic personality that always drew people to him, died September 25, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas. Jacob was born in San Antonio on August 15, 1985, to James and Jodi (Hicks) Lincoln. They later moved to Charlotte, Mich. where Jacob grew up and graduated from High School. Friends and family remember Jacob as a fun-loving goofball, a character that loved friendly conversation and playing pranks on his friends and family. A very family-oriented guy, Jacob was very close with his older brother, Nicolas, and did lots of activities with his extended family like fishing, bike riding, and being quite a daredevil in many activities. There are stories of mountain biking near Eaton Rapids through a rough terrain, riding skateboards, and all sorts of outdoor activities because Jacob wasn’t afraid to try anything. Guns intrigued him, so he started collecting them.
Since Jacob wasn’t afraid to try anything, he learned how to be an exceptional HVAC technician. The business he worked for, Will Fix It HVAC, said he was beyond exceptional as a technician, and an extraordinary salesman. He was a customer favorite.
His family is very proud that Jacob gave his heart to God, and now he rests in his Heavenly Father’s arms. Jacob is survived by his parents, Jodi Lincoln of Charlotte, Mich. and James Lincoln of San Antonio, Texas; brother, Nicolas (Sara) Lincoln; niece, Emma Grace; grandparents, Peggy Lincoln and Hulen (Mary) Lincoln; aunt, Sherry Lincoln; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Jim Hicks; grandmother, Jackie Hicks; and great-grandmother, Edna Roberts.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Jacob’s family by attending services or sharing memories on their tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Visitation and services will take place at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Mich. in the near future. Information on the services will be shared as soon as it is available. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Nancy L. Whalen
Nancy Lee Whalen, 74, of Newberry, died Thursday afternoon, September 23, 2021, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Born May 24, 1947, in Eaton Rapids, daughter of the late Edward J. and Phyllis N. (Hill) Merchant, Nancy was a 1965 graduate of Charlotte High School and attended Davenport College of Business.
Nancy was employed as a bookkeeper for several companies in the Lansing area until her retirement. A resident of Newberry since 2008, Nancy was a member of Living Waters Assembly of God Church and the American Legion Post #74 Ladies Auxiliary. Her hobbies included crocheting, knitting, quilting, playing cribbage and an avid NASCAR fan.
In addition to her parents, Nancy is preceded in death by her husband, Walter Whalen; and son, Richard “Rick” Whalen.
Survivors include her children, Louanna (Jeff) Lawson of Charlotte, Buck (Cheryl) Whalen of Eaton Rapids, and Jody (Peter) Lannoo of Canton; eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; siblings, Sandra Fast of Charlotte, Sue Valora of Charlotte, and Aggie (Neal) Robertson of Eaton Rapids; daughter-in-law, Nancy Whalen of Holt; close friends and relatives of the Whalen family.
Per request, cremation services were accorded. A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday October 30, 2021 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the V.F.W. Post 2406, 695 Lansing Road, Charlotte, Michigan 48813.
Memorials may be directed to the family in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Clarence A. Humphrey
Clarence “Red” Arthur Humphrey, a man known for his saying, “It only takes a minute to stay an hour,” died Tuesday, September 28, 2021. Red, 76, of Charlotte, was born November 14, 1944, in Alma, MI, the son of Arthur and Cora (Melton) Humphrey. After dropping out after the 8th grade, Red later went back and got his diploma in 1978. He continued to take classes in drafting and small engine repair at LCC. Red began his career at Johnson Refinery and later went to General Motors in 1965 where he worked 31 years as a die worker until his retirement in 1996. On July 1, 1962, Clarence married Julene Miller and together created their legacy until her passing in 2009. On May 19, 2012 Clarence married Sandy McQueen. Red was a man who loved everyone, he devoted his time to helping others, from volunteering at Chester Gospel Church, teaching cooking at the Crosswalk Teen Center, to helping in the Amish community, he could be counted on for assistance. He was the type of man that if you needed his shirt then it was yours.
Red was a man that liked to stay busy, he was a jack of all trades, working as a Handyman for Joe Fix Rentals, and owned his own business CJ&T Produce. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, trips to the Tippy Dam, motorcycles, his Austin Healey Sports Car, blacksmithing, woodworking, yard sales and trying to find treasures for others, mud bogs, and most importantly sharing his life skills with others.
Clarence is survived by his wife, Sandy; children, Pennie (Doug) Lake, Julia (Chris) Long, Clarence (Betty) Humphrey Jr., and Lorinda Gidner; grandchildren, Melissa Lake, Martyn (Cristy) Lake, Troy (Raquel) Copenhaver II, Victoria (Zach) Steinbacher, Dalton Humphrey, Lamour Humphrey, Maggie Humphrey, Marshall Humphrey, Craig Gidner, Gina Wilkes, and Erin (Sean) Barker; great-grandchildren, Kamryn and Mykenzie Lake, Cole Wilkes, Logan Barker and Conner Barker; step-children, Nicholas Truax and Christopher Truax; and his other sons, Bill (Julee) Emenhiser, and Michael (Penny) Halliwill; sister-in-law, Patricia Humphrey; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Julene Humphrey; granddaughters, Angel Kay Humphrey, and Christina Lake; brothers, Marvin, Leon, and Bruce Humphrey; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Red’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Friday, October 1, 2021, from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services are Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastors Dennis Weeks and Marc Livingston officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Crosswalk Teen Center or the Eaton County Agricultural Society (Eaton County Fairgrounds). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Patricia J. Holley
Patricia Jean Holley, age 72, of Mason, Mich. started her Heavenly Journey on September 24, 2021. Patricia was born March 24, 1949, to Mildred Marie (Larson) Holley, and Lester Benjamin Holley Jr. in Eaton Rapids, Mich.
Patricia grew up with a love of animals and gardening that she nurtured and grew all through her life. She was known for her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. People would stop while she was working in them and ask for tours and the names of her favorite plants.
Patricia’s love of animals included a pet fawn, a duck, and a very special Cocker Spaniel, Lady, during her childhood. As an adult, there was always some kind of pet in the home, including dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, snakes and mice. Many of these pets her children would bring home with a “Can we keep it?” and a big smile. Her special pets were Tasty Tidbit, a toy Pomeranian, and Tuxedo Mask, a 24-pound purring ball of love.
Patricia had a knack for arts and crafts, woodworking, sewing and quilting. When her daughter bought her an embroidering machine, she went wild with-it, creating birthday and Christmas gifts for her family and friends.
Patricia was best known for her many paintings, including beautiful Christmas bulbs that were given as gifts and sold at craft shows. She was asked to paint bulbs for Bronner’s in Frankenmuth, Mich., but declined because she said that it would become a job instead of a creative outlet. She also liked to paint with oils, sketch with pencils and charcoals, and, a long time ago, Artex painting.
Patricia was a great fan of bird feeding. She had a variety of feeders and food to attract as many different species as possible to her yard. A stack of bird books was kept at her window to identify birds. She would then research the best type of food for that bird and send one of her daughters off to the feed store. She waged a constant war against the pillaging squirrels that was an unending source of entertainment for her family and friends.
Patricia was very strong-willed, feisty, and protective. These traits helped her to raise her three children: Vicki (Scott) Alldaffer, Tamara Keith, and Dwayne Keith. She also took an active role in helping to raise her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. She believed in the philosophy that it took a village to raise a child.
Patricia endured a difficult three-year battle with cancer so that she could have more time with her beloved family. She then passed into the arms of Jesus, surrounded by her daughters and sister.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Chester Holley; son, Dwayne Keith; niece, Mindy Pearl Reed.
Patricia will be mourned by her daughters: Vicki (Scott) Alldaffer and Tamara Keith; grandchildren, Nikolas Alldaffer, Aurora Alldaffer, Zavier Keith, Daimeon Keith, Pearl Keith, Noah Keith, Emily Keith, and Dakota Keith; great-granddaughter: Nova Hope; siblings, Lester (Mary) Holley III, Vicki Reed, Rhonda (Dave Gruesbeck) Pressley, and Cindy Holley Miller; her nieces and nephews; special friends Anna Deplanty and Mikki (Ron) Foster-Hunt; along with many other family and friends.
There will be a private burial for her immediate family at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet, Mich. followed by a Celebration of Life for family and friends on October 4, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Eaton Area Senior Center located at 804 S. Cochran Ave. Charlotte, MI 48813.
The family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers. Suggested charities in Patricia’s honor are Ingham County Animal Control, 600 Buhl Street, Mason, MI 48854; The Good Samaritan Fund, Holt United Methodist Church, 2321 N. Aurelius Road, Holt, MI 48842; and SIREN/Eaton Shelter, 520 Robinson Street, Charlotte, MI 48813.
The family is being served by Vickers Leslie Funeral Home in Leslie, Michigan.