Obituaries
Jannette A. Towns
Jannette Alice Towns of Eaton Rapids passed away January 28, 2020, at the age of 80. She was born in Jackson County, the daughter of Hoyle and Mary Agnes (Winegar) McMurtrie. Jannette graduated from Springport High School in 1958 and resided in Eaton Rapids for 54 years. She worked and retired from Eaton Stamping, was a member of the First United Methodist Church in North Parma and loved working in her garden and cooking. Jannette liked to travel, when she was able, to see her grandchildren and extended family.
Jannette is survived by her son, Ted (Patrycja) Towns of Tampa; grandchildren, Maggie, Liam, Connor and Aiden Towns; brothers, Calvin McMurtrie of Parma, Wesley (Rosie) McMurtrie of Parma; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Eugene McMurtrie and Douglas McMurtrie and sister, Gloria Arnold.
Jannette will be cremated and graveside services will be held at a later date. Those desiring may make memorial contributions in Jannette’s memory to the American Heart Association. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, in Eaton Rapids. Visit www.millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.
Norman E. Reist
Norman Eugene Reist, age 69, of Charlotte, died on January 20, 2020. He worked as a baker at Reist’s Bakery. No funeral services are planned at this time. Arrangements were entrusted to Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Michael G. Tappen
Michael Glenn Tappen Jr., age 51, passed away on January 19, 2020. He was a hardworking man and a talented artist. Halloween was one of his favorite holidays. He expressed his artistry when he had the time to put together a great costume and was creative with Halloween makeup. He was born on May 7, 1968, in Cherry Point, N. C., to Michael and Mary (Schronce) Tappen. Mike graduated from Charlotte High School in 1986 and then earned his associates degree from Baker College. He was in the Marine Corps. A very dedicated, hard-worker, Mike loved his job on the road trucking, working for a few different companies, including Michigan Packaging and Georgia Pacific. He had currently been employed by Pam Transport. Kind and thoughtful, Mike was always reaching out and finding ways to help others and was generous with his time. He had a great sense of humor but also a stubborn streak that would drive his family crazy. The pride of his life was his three daughters and his granddaughter, and he would brag about them to everyone that would listen.
Michael is survived by his daughters, Hayley, Taylor and Sydney Tappen; granddaughter, Asyria Hill; mother, Mary Tappen; and siblings, Tammy Sherman, Karen Tappen, and Cathy Troutner; his aunt, Carol Tappen, grandma, Kathryn Tappen; and former-wife and best friend Kenda Tappen. He was predeceased by his father, Michael Glenn Tappen Sr.; grandfather, Milan Tappen; and uncle, John Tappen.
Funeral services were held January 23, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Humane Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Mike on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Bruce M. Bryan
Bruce Mac Bryan — a loving and devoted, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather — died January 16, 2020. Bruce, age 90, was born June 23, 1929, in Charlotte, to Rex and Cecil (Hawley) Bryan. Following graduation from Charlotte High School in 1948, Bruce met Shirley Ann Parr and on July 9, 1950, they married and started their family together. Bruce lost his sweetheart of 64 years in 2015. He worked throughout his life as a grocery stock boy at the Charlotte Kroger store, and as an electrician, working for the IBEW Local 65, including a time with his own company, Maple City Electric. Bruce was the ultimate handyman, as he built three of the family homes and also a fishing cabin. There was no project that he couldn’t handle. Bruce joined the Charlotte Masonic Lodge #120 Free & Accepted Masons in 1962, serving as past master in 1969. He went into the Saladin Shrine Temple Grand Rapids in 1973, and he could be seen in many local parades riding on his mini 50 Shriner bike. He also served on the Charlotte Board of Education from 1960 to 1971. When Bruce was not serving his community, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and bowling.
Bruce is survived by his daughters, Diane (Larry) Bass, Patricia (James) Bueter; grandchildren, Michael (Connie) Betts, Lisa (Jeff) Callaghan-Keefer, Nicholas (Megan) Bueter, and Joseph (Heather) Bueter; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Thomas, Emma, Elliett, Jackson, Benjamin, Jane; and sister-in-law, Shirley Bryan. Bruce was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley; siblings, Ruth Grier, Dan Bryan, Beryl Wilkerson, Ned Bryan, Doris Byrnes and Joan Bryan.
A family affirmation service was held on Monday, January 20, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Shriners Hospitals for Children – Chicago. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bruce on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Charles Thomas Mead
Charles Thomas Mead — a kind-hearted and giving husband, father and grandfather — of Olivet, died on Saturday, January 18, 2020, after a long battle with cancer. Charles, age 66, was born April 18, 1953, in Charlotte, to Raymond and Viola (Rowell) Mead. On November 8, 1986, Charles married his sweetheart Sharon. He worked at Carefree Factory in Charlotte in quality control for 30 years prior to their closing. Following his time at Carefree, Charles started his own handyman business called CTM Enterprise, where he worked the last 15 years. He was a devoted member of the Olivet First Assembly of God. His hobbies included bowling, watching NASCAR, cheering on the Detroit Lions, gardening and tending to his property, which included lots of mowing.
Charles is survived by his wife of 33 years, Sharon; daughter, Ariane (John) Van Iwaarden; 4 grandchildren, Mikayla, Collin, Clayton, Keghan; foster-daughters, Andrea Williams, Mia Williams; step-daughters, Dawn Howlett, Amy Reynolds, Deanna Hebenstreit; step-sons, Dan Griffin, David Griffin, Shane Wells; brother, Clifford Mead; sister, Margaret King; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; step-daughter, Darlene Griffin; brothers, Stanley Mead, Newton Schriner, John Schriner; and sister, Rebecca Conklin.
Friends are encouraged to support Charles’ family. Funeral services are Saturday, January 25, 2020, at noon at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Mike Knauff officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service, from 11 a.m. until noon. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Charles on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.