Obituaries
Charlotte A. Towe
Charlotte Ann Towe, 84, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, January 6, 2019 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. She was born May 7, 1934, in Millet, Mich., the daughter of Jay and Helen (Kellogg) Lea. Charlotte graduated from Charlotte High School in 1954. Soon after graduation she married the love of her life Larry Lee Towe on January 14, 1955, at her parent’s home in Charlotte. In her younger years, Charlotte helped her mother out in her upholstery business here in town. Charlotte was a devoted caregiver. She gave of herself to ensure that others were always taken care of. Both her and Larry enjoyed taking numerous trips out west on their motorcycle. Charlotte adored her family and was especially proud of her grandchildren. Her faith in Christ was of utmost importance to her. She was a devoted member of the Gresham United Methodist Church for many years.
Charlotte is survived by her husband of almost 64 years, Larry; children, Jeff (Sheryl) Towe of Charlotte, Cheryl (Kevin) Sobleskey of Charlotte, Beth (Lance) VanAuken of Charlotte, Ann (Kent) Austin of Charlotte, Bill (Tammy) Towe of Clarksville; 15 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and siblings, Jay (Donna) Lea, Ronald “Sonny” Lea, and Albert (Carolyn Toll) Lea.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Joyce Towe; and sister-in-law, Alvetta Lea who passed away just a few hours after Charlotte.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 10, 2019, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment followed at Gresham Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Charlotte’s honor to the Gresham United Methodist Church, 5055 Mulliken Road, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Charlotte’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Bonnie M. Mead
Bonnie Mae Mead of Springport passed away January 5, 2019 at the age of 89. She was born in Ninnekah, Okla., November 16, 1929, the daughter of Tracy and Neva (Beckwith) Gray. Bonnie was a graduate of Everett High School, class of 1947. She worked for Seifert’s Dress Shop for many years and also for Springport Schools as a bus driver for 35 years before enjoying retirement. Bonnie was a member of Pope Church.
She is survived by her daughter, Marlene (Tom) Sebastian of Springport; daughter-in-law, Cathy Mead of Marshall; grandchildren, Jason (Nancy) Sebastian, Carrie (Steve) Davis, Alison, Curtis and Marcus Mead; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Dwain (Joanne) Gray, Glen (Betty) Gray.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Wayne and Kenton Mead; brothers, Dale, Edwin, Tracy and Gale Gray; and sisters, Garnet Bywater, Geraldine Bowers and Gwen Gray.
No services are planned at this time. Interment will take place in Pope Church Cemetery at a later date.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Pope Church or the Springport Public Schools music department.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences or to sign the guest book.
Edward M. Breier
Edward M. Breier went home to be with our Lord on January 7, 2019. He was born in Lansing on September 28, 1941. He graduated from Eastern High School in January 1960 and finished one term at MSU.
Edward is survived by his wife, of 57 years, Cathleen; son, Stephen Breier; and daughter, Melissa (Keith) Springstead. He has six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He worked for Apco Inc. from 1960-1976 then started his own business, ACE Appliance, from 1976-1989. He started a new adventure, with his wife, Cathleen, as OTR drivers for Gainey Transportation out of Grand Rapids until 2004 when they retired. He worked, for a short time, for Advent House Ministries as a mentor for appliance repair. Ed was involved as a 4H leader and loved teaching children. He loved telling stories of his past and sharing his knowledge. You could always count on a smile and an occasional practical joke. Ed had a passion for creating new things out of old things. He was a great craftsman with stained glass and wood. Nothing was impossible. He believed you come into this world with only your name and you leave this world with only your name. That is why Ed believed in doing business with a handshake, with his word as his bond. He will be missed by many whom he met on his journey through life.
There will be no service as per his wishes. Cards are welcome and should be mailed to: Cathleen Breier, (C/O Melissa Springstead) PO Box 16, Woodland, MI 48897.
David A. DeFrates
David Arthur DeFrates, 79, of Charlotte, passed away Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte. He was born March 3, 1939, in Indiana, the son of Arthur and Isabel (Kelly) DeFrates. Dave graduated from Charlotte High School in 1957. On December 12, 1959, he married Margaret Ann Kline. As many of Dave’s friends can attest, he was a walking encyclopedia. He loved knowledge and enjoyed sharing it with others. Dave was a charter member and past vice president of the International Coleman Collectors Club. He was instrumental in organizing and hosting their annual convention, which took place in Charlotte in 2014. He also served as president and was an active member of the Mid-Michigan Model A Club and the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. Dave was also currently serving on the Maple Hill Cemetery Association Board and was a member of the Eaton County Buck Club. Dave retired from GM in Lansing after many years of faithful service. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, either snowmobiling, hunting, or fishing.
Dave is survived by daughter, Cheri DeFrates; best friend and companion, Joy Mogg; siblings, Doug DeFrates of California and Pat Humphrey of Arizona.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margaret in 2011; brothers, Phillip DeFrates, and Mike DeFrates.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 14, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor John Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.
Those desiring may make contributions in Dave’s honor to the Charlotte Church of Christ, 64 Vansickle Drive, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Dave’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Mary J. Wilcoxson
Mary Jeanette Wilcoxson, 74, of Charlotte, passed away Friday, December 21, 2018, at her home with her family by her side. She was born July 3, 1944 in Lansing, the daughter of Marvin and Mary (Parks) Henrys. Mary was a free spirit that lived life to the absolute fullest. She was passionate about having a good time no matter what her circumstances were. She enjoyed fishing, bowling, water skiing, and shopping. She was a fiercely devoted mother and grandmother. She loved spending time together with her family.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Michelle (Jim) Mead of Charlotte, Pamela (Brian) Wagner of Lansing, Sandra Patten of Lansing; grandchildren, Ryan (Lisa) Patten, Nikki Mead, Mallery Mead, Russell Bernheisel; great-grandchildren, Lily, Landon, Eli, Maci, Isabelle; brother, Norm (Loraine) Henrys; sisters-in-law, Sharon Henrys, Leah Henrys; and brother-in-law, Patrick McClain.
She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Melanie Posey; and siblings, Marvin “Bud” Henrys Jr., Patricia (George) Kirchmeier, Michael Jon Henrys, and Beverly McClain.
In keeping with Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Mary’s honor to Grace Hospice, 2205 Jolly Rd., Okemos, MI 48864.
To view Mary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.