Obituaries
Marion Ellis Taylor
We are saddened to share with you the passing of Marion Ellis Taylor, 87, most recently of Charlotte, Michigan. Marion was an employee of American One Credit Union of Jackson at the time of his retirement. Prior to that, he was the President of State Employees Credit Union.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Hazel Grace (Farrand) Taylor Wichert (Ernie) and Rowatt Stewart Taylor; his eldest brother, Paul Taylor; his eldest sister, Pauline Taylor Weide Parsons (Melvin Weide) Richard Parsons; his brother, Malcolm; niece, Rebecca Potter; great nephew, Stewart Tiffany; brother and sister-in-law, Lawrence and Elaine Taylor; brother, Dean Taylor (Maxie); sister and brother-in law, Grace (Taylor) Sanderson and Richard Sanderson; and first wife Marilyn Leona (Moffet) Taylor.
Marion has left behind his son, Mark Taylor (Mark Benjamin) and daughter, Melisia Taylor. Marion also leaves behind his current wife, Linda Kay (Hunt) Taylor; stepsons, Jamie Medler (Mary), Garret Medler (Cheryl), and Zachary Medler (Brandy); seven granddaughters; one grandson; one great-grandson; two great-granddaughters; sister-in-law, Evelyn (Malcolm) Taylor; brothers and sisters-in-law, Leif and Carol Carlson, Susan and Larry Weismiller, and Jeff and Kollen Hunt; along with his numerous nieces and nephews.
Marion, born in Lakeview in 1938, grew up on a farm in Blanchard and spent part of his youth in Greenville where he graduated from high school. He graduated from Ferris State Institute in 1960 with a degree in Accounting and Administration. He loved a good card game and along with his siblings, could be found in a heated competition.
Marion was enlisted in the National Guard from 1961-1967 and loved being an MP with the 46th Military Police Company with the Provost Marshall Division. His credit union involvement began in 1965 when he started working at State Employees Credit Union. Marion’s credit union participation expanded to membership on the Lansing Chapter of Credit Union’s Executive Committee; he held various positions in the Michigan Credit Union League; additional positions with the Credit Union National Association, the Central Credit Union of Michigan Board of Directors, and the Association of State Employees Credit Unions. Marion also devoted time to his community by serving on the Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals, and The Beekman Center Shelter Workshop. In his free time, he enjoyed snowmobiling and boating, hunting and being at his cottage. In addition, Marion adored cruises with his wife Linda.
Marion received several calls and visits from friends and former colleagues recently and for that, was very thankful for the caring shown.
Friends are encouraged to support Marion’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Marion’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Michael O’Reilly Colegrove
Michael “Mike” O’Reilly Colegrove, of Charlotte, MI, died June 30, 2025 at the tender age of 35. Mike was the son of David and Donna Colegrove, a 2008 graduate of Charlotte High School, and a very loving young man that would do anything for people he cared about. Mike loved everything basketball, whether it was watching or playing, and he played for over ten years as a member of his Special Olympics basketball team. He also enjoyed drawing, going to the races with his dad, watching all kinds of sports (especially when his nieces or nephews were playing), and road trips with his family. He was especially proud of being able to help on Mission Trips through First Baptist Church.
Mike is survived by his parents, David and Donna Colegrove; siblings, Sally (Tim) Steward, Melissa Perry, Rick (Jennifer) Colegrove, Faith Colegrove, Darien Colegrove, Brandon (Jenn) Colegrove, Karissa Colegrove; and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Friends are encouraged to support Mike’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Monday, July 7, 12 noon – 2:00 p.m. with Funeral services following at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Ryan Manning officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Mike’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Area 8 Special Olympics. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
John Harry King
John “Jack” Harry King, age 87, of Olivet, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on July 4, 2025. He was born in Romeo, Michigan on June 21, 1938, to Henry and Irene King and at the age seven moved to Olivet, a place he would call home for the rest of his life.
After serving in the United States Air Force, he was honorably discharged and in 1960, married Laura Ernsberger. Together they raised five children, creating a lifetime of memories. Taking classes and becoming a skilled auto mechanic, Jack operated King’s Auto Service for 40 years. He also served as a volunteer firefighter. He was a man who enjoyed the little things in life, morning coffee with friends, his bowling league, hunting, fishing, the thrill of a good hand at the blackjack table, but most of all traveling in his motorhome.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Laura; children, David (Patricia) King, Karen King, Judy King, Steve (Kathy) King, John King; grandchildren, Matthew, Miranda, Laura, Zachary, Evan; great-grandchildren, Harrison, Geneva, Raeya, Piper; as well as his brother and sister-in-law, James and Cleta King.
Jack leaves a legacy of kindness, integrity, quiet strength and a life well lived.
In keeping with his wish’s cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jack’s memory to Oaklawn Hospice, 13444 Preston Drive, Marshall, MI 49068.
Jack’s Final Journey
Jack wandered life on open roads
Where sunsets blaze and freedom flowed
From Mountain pass to ocean shore
Each mile he claimed, then sought one more
His home on wheels, his faithful guide
With dreams and stars along for the ride
No map could match his boundless zest
Each stop a place his soul could rest
Now wheels are still, but nor the flame
Jack’s spirit roams where skies proclaim
That journey’s end, but love goes on
In every dusk, in every dawn.
To view Jack’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.
Michael Allert Lokken
Michael Allert Lokken, age 69 of Eaton Rapids, died July 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Michael was born July 9, 1955, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan to Allert Theodore and Doris J (Horning) Lokken. He worked as a machinist and maintenance director at several jobs, but for the last 25 years at Edgewater Apartments in Eaton Rapids until his health forced him into retirement. Michael was a true outdoorsman, he loved to fish in the morning, clean his catch in the afternoon and have it for dinner later that day. His wood carvings of canes were impressive, and he was known to be able to fix anything that was broken. He married Teresa Annette (Merriott) Menzer on July 30, 1997, at noon on a pontoon in the middle of Narrow Lake.
Michael is survived by his wife, Teresa Annette Menzer; children, Nicole Lokken, Michele Lokken, Erin Lokken, David Menzer, and Elizabeth Thornsbury; several grandchildren; brother, Timothy (Bonnie) Lokken. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Traci Underwood and Terri Bradley.
A Memorial Service will be held Monday, July 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. For those desiring, Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in loving memory of Michael Allert Lokken. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
John Daniel Creyts
John Daniel Creyts, age 51, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away on June 30, 2025, due to heart failure and other ongoing health challenges.
John was born on August 2, 1973 and raised in Charlotte and spent his life surrounded by the places and people he loved most. He had a kind spirit, a unique sense of humor, and a deep appreciation for life’ s simple pleasures.
John had a lifelong love of music. He especially cherished the sounds of Johnny Cash, Marty Stuart, and big band legends like Glenn Miller. He played the drums and other instruments with joy and enthusiasm, often filling his home with rhythm and song. His favorite shows included The Price Is Right, Sanford and Son, and Frasier, and he rarely missed an episode.
Every Saturday night was pizza night — a tradition he never grew tired of — and every Wednesday brought a trip to the bowling alley. John also had a soft spot for a chocolate Frosty from Wendy’ s and never passed up a chance to build something with his Lincoln Logs.
John attended Meadowview Eaton Intermediate School and he was a graduate of Grand Ledge High School, completing his education at age 26. He worked for several years at Pizza Hut and was a proud helper on the family farm, where his favorite task was driving the empty wagons back out to the hayfield — a job he approached with steady dedication.
He shared a deep bond with his beloved cat, Phineas-Jerry, and took great comfort in his companionship.
John is survived by his parents, Jean and Daniel Creyts; his sister, Ruth Creyts; his brother-in-law; and his niece, who all loved him dearly and will miss him.
A private family funeral will be held where he has been laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery, Delta Twp., Michigan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’ s honor to the University of Michigan-Sparrow Foundation, which is currently building a new mental health facility in Lansing — a cause close to the family’ s heart. To donate, please use the following link: uofmhealthsparrow.org/give and click on the “Behavioral Health Services” option. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com
In tribute to John’ s wonderful life and spirit, the family shares the following poem by Kathy R. Wofford:
The Gift of Special Children
God Blesses some with Special Children…
Who with the magic of their smile…
Have the power to touch our souls…
And make our lives worthwhile.
Sometimes God in all His wisdom…
Fulfills our very lives…
With a child who’ll truly capture….
Our heart quite by surprise.
A child who is always giving
Such unconditional love…
Unique and oh so precious
A gift from God above.
Kathy R. Wofford