Obituaries
Philip A. Crowner
Philip Arlan Crowner, 82, an adventurous man who “did it his way,” died Saturday, May 18, 2019 in Lansing. Phil was born May 8, 1937 in Lansing, the son of Charles A. and Marjorie Elouise (Shaffer) Crowner. At the age of 16, Phil started racing stock cars at Capital City Speedway, a passion that gave birth to a lifelong “need for speed.” Phil’s racing hobby saw him behind the wheel of several cars throughout the years, especially his beloved 1932 Ford Street Rod. He shared his talents as a mechanic in his shop on Lansing Road, even fixing the broken-down tour bus for the The Who. Phil and his brother, Dave were founding members of the local Headers Car Club, and could often be spotted at cars shows, auctions, and checking in on projects at Eaton Auto Body. Phil also drove trucks for Leaseway, as well as cement trucks, and worked briefly for Oldsmobile.
Phil demonstrated stern love and guidance, not only to his nieces and nephews, but also mentoring countless troubled teens, thus positively impacting many lives. He enjoyed camping trips up north with family and friends. Many will remember Phil’s ability to “say it like it is,” and always being a man of his word.
Phil is survived by his sister, Jane (Davide) Crowner-Friedman of Dimondale; sister-in-law, Betty Crowner of Charlotte; nieces and nephews, Larry (Amy) Crowner of Olivet, Catherine Crowner of Charlotte, Mike (Mallory) Crowner of Charlotte, and Christian (Sarah) Smucker of Portage; and several extended family members.
He was predeceased by his parents; and his brother, David Arthur Crowner.
Friends are encouraged to support Phil’s family at a Memorial Service on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service, from noon to 2 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children at shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at stjude.org.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Philip on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Brian S. Hill
Brian Scott Hill, 55, of Vermontville, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, May 16, 2019. Brian was born in Lansing on September 9, 1963, the son of the Carl and Mary (Hillis) Hill. Brian was raised in the Vermontville area and attended local schools, graduating from Maple Valley High School in 1981. Brian spent his working career in the manufacturing industry where he specialized in plastic injection molding.
Brian enjoyed being outdoors fishing, hiking and hanging out on the beach. Brain loved being in the gym, lifting weights and competitive boxing. During his time in the ring, Brain was the State of Michigan Golden Gloves state runner up.
Brian is survived by his parents, Carl (Mary) Hill; his daughter, Christina (Alex) Torres; his son, Logan Hill; his lifelong friend and mother to his children, Wendy James; his sister, Brenda Phenix; brother, Robert (Sandie) Hill; his grandchildren, Belanna, Leilani, and Julian Torres; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at The Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2019. The family will receive visitors prior to the funeral service on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. at The Daniels Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Autism Speaks.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details, please visit danielsfuneralhome.net.
Sylvia E. Hamilton
Sylvia E. Hamilton, 80, of Charlotte, passed away Monday, May 13, 2019, at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. She was born September 2, 1938, in St. James, Minn., the daughter of Clifford and Gunarda (Blackstad) Robinson. On April 12, 1958, she married David Hamilton in Minnesota. Together they raised their family on the family farm on Chester Road. Sylvia was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She always took a keen interest in her children and grandchildren. Sylvia was a 4-H leader for many years and volunteered at the children’s school whenever help was needed. She was a devoted long-time member of Peace Lutheran Church, where she served in many different capacities. Sylvia retired after many years of service from Farm Bureau Insurance in Lansing.
Sylvia is survived by her children, Janet (Dennis) Croff, John Hamilton, Brenda (Larry) Hall, Paul Hamilton; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and brother, Robert (Lilah) Robinson of Wisconsin.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, David; and grandson, Tom Hamilton; and sister, Dorothy Harris.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 20, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, with Pastor David Keller officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 19, 2019, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday at Peace Lutheran Church. Interment will take place at West Carmel Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Sylvia’s honor to Peace Lutheran Church, 830 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Sylvia’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
David W. Jackson
David W. Jackson, 55, a former Charlotte resident, and current Lake Bluff, Ill. resident, passed to his eternal home on May 11 from diabetes complications. David was born in Evansville, Ind. on October 21, 1963 and moved to Charlotte in 1965. Dave graduated from Charlotte High School in 1981, Ferris State University and Illinois College of Optometry. He received his laser training at UCLA. Dr. Jackson married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Eskew, on July 16, 1987. They made their home in Glenview, Ill., where Dave was a managing doctor for LensCrafters. He then owned his private optometry practice in Highland Park, Ill., later specializing in eye disease.
Surviving are his loving family, Dr. Cheryl Jackson, wife of 31 years; daughter, Alexis Jackson and special friend, Matt Austin; son, David Benjamin Jackson, all of Lake Bluff. Survivors also include parents, David and Barbara Jackson of Bellevue; mother-in-law, Donna Eskew of Godfrey, Ill.; sister, Debra (Loren) Griffin of Charlotte; brother, John Jackson of Bellevue; sister-in-law, Vicky (Steve) Berghorst of Allendale, Mich.; nieces, Katelin (Blake) Kennedy, Jessica Griffin, and Laurel Griffin; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Robert Eskew.
Dr. Jackson especially enjoyed interacting and caring for his patients. He served more than 10 years as a volunteer firefighter for the Lake Bluff Fire Department. Dave was a member of the Lake Bluff United Methodist Church and was absolute in his faith. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.
A celebration of life will be held at the Kalamo United Methodist Church on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 11 a.m., with Pastor Jerry Bukoski officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. The church is located at 1475 S. Ionia Road in Vermontville.
Those desiring, may send a memorial to Alexis and Ben’s Education Fund, P.O. Box 254, Lake Bluff, IL 60044.
Calvon E. Kidder
Pastor Calvon “Cal” E. Kidder, 91, of Woodland, went into the loving arms of his Savior on May 9, 2019 at his home, with his loving family. Cal was born on January 6, 1928 to Glen and Alice (Pritchard) Kidder in Boone, Mich. Cal married Alice Soderquist on February 21, 1948. They were blessed with 71 years of marriage and four daughters. He was an avid wood worker most of his life. In 1950 he was called by the Lord to serve as a minister in the Church of God, pastoring seven churches, spanning many states in his 62 years of service.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Alice; children, Joy (Jerry) Swiger, Janet (Mike) Long, Mary Kidder and Vee (Phil) Grimwood; grandchildren, Kelly (John) Donlin, Michelle (Steve) Crouch, Christy (Jeff) Molenaar, Tiffany Watson, Caleb (Dacia) Watson, David (Melissa) Grimwood, Heather Parrish; great-grandchildren, Shane Willette, Andy Donlin, John Munro, Alley Munro, Brittany Molenaar, Evan Molenaar, Tanner Yanz, Brody Cheesbro, Charlotte Watson, Myles Watson, Devin Grimwood and Dalton Grimwood; siblings, Treva Dewey, Lewis Kidder, Lila (Bob) Rosenburger; along with many nieces and nephews.
Preceding Cal in death are his parents; siblings, Cylia Bowen, Mark Kidder, Lee Kidder and Larry Kidder.
A funeral service was held on May 14, 2019 at the Kilpatrick U.B. Church. Burial took place in Woodland Memorial Park on May 14.
Memorials can be made to the family to help with expenses.
Online condolences can be left at koopsfc.com.