Obituaries
Darrin Martin
Darrin “Marty” Martin, age 59, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, March 16, 2024. He was born March 7, 1965, in Harrisville, Michigan the son of Darwin and Janet (Blanford) Martin. Marty graduated from Swartz Creek High School with the class of 1983. On August 6, 2011, he married Dawn Sherman. Marty loved cooking and working as a welder. He owned and operated Truckin’ Awesome Food Truck in Olivet. Marty cherished the opportunity of serving his community and loved to see the smiles it brought to their faces. He had a heart of gold and was always ready to help anyone in need. Marty had the gift of gab and loved visiting with others and sharing stories. When Marty was not busy with the food truck you could find him tinkering around the house or outdoors hunting, fishing, or camping. He adored his family and loved spending time together with them.
Marty is survived by his wife, Dawn; children, Kayla (Nick Childs) Martin of Grand Rapids, Kelsi (Cody Fath) Martin of Lansing, Amber (Michael Jeanette) Sherman of Vicksburg, Bri (Chad) Cook of Charlotte; 8 grandchildren and one on the way; sister, Jodi Tate; and three nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Athena, who Marty affectionately referred to as “Waffles”.
In keeping with Marty’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions to Marty’s family.
To view Marty’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.
Carolyn June McConnell
Carolyn June McConnell, age 82, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 15, 2024. She was born February 21, 1942, in Belding, Michigan the daughter of Robert and Viola (Groom) McConnell. Carolyn went on to graduate from Potterville High School with the class of 1960. After high school she went on to attend Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alberta, Canada for four years. Carolyn had a heart for mission work and spent the majority of her life serving others. She was a quiet lady with an adventurous personality. Carolyn was always up to trying new things. Whether it was white water rafting, parasailing, or some other daring feet she was always up for the challenge. In her free time, she enjoyed fishing with her brothers, completing puzzles, sewing, and building bird houses and planters out of stones.
Carolyn will be dearly missed by her siblings, Robert (Sally) McConnell of Potterville, Pat Koos of Charlotte, Lou (Salliann) McConnell of Big Spring, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Charlene Kay Hatcher, and brother-in-law, Merlin Koos.
In keeping with Carolyn’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Carolyn’s memory to Sparrow Hospice at www.sparrow.org/give.
To view Carolyn’s obit 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.
Mary Elizabeth Mowrer
Mary Elizabeth Mowrer, 89, of Bellevue, passed away on March 14, 2024, at her home in Bellevue, MI. She was born on November 18, 1934, to John Henry and Margaret (Brock) Pritchett in Bedford, England. She married William Fredrick Mowrer, Jr. on March 17, 1962, in New Philadelphia, OH and he preceded her on October 27, 2021.
Mary loved to play bingo, go out to eat, knit, and do crossword puzzles from the newspapers. She also loved to order Tea and candy from her native England. Mary loved her family, she was a loving grandma, great grandma and great-great grandma and she loved her friends. Mary was the best Mom.
Mary is survived by her children, Kirt Mowrer, Melani Clemons, Tracy (Ronald) Weber, Bill (Amy) Mowrer, Valeri (Todd) Yates.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Joan Bishop.
A private interment will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery. There will be a luncheon at Bellevue First Baptist Church, 122 S. Main St., Bellevue, MI 49021 at 4:00 p.m. on March 22, 2024.
Memorials are suggested to the Eaton Area Senior Center, 804 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813. To view the obituary and sign the online guestbook, or leave the family condolences please visit: https://www.kempffuneralhome.com
For further information contact Kempf’s of Bellevue at 269-763-9511. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015.
Steven Randall
Steven “Steve” Randall, a gentle soul, died surrounded by his family on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Steve, 68, of Olivet, was born July 12, 1955, in Charlotte, the son of Larry and Emajean (Roop) Randall. He graduated from Olivet high school and shortly after became a truck driver. Steve drove truck for 30 plus years and at one point owned and operated S and W Trucking. His biggest passion in life was blacksmithing. He owned Wolverine Blacksmith Shop and has sent his work all over the world and has a few pieces on display in museums. In December of 2002, Steve married Wilma McDaniel. When he was not busy with his work Steve enjoyed working in his blacksmith shop, talking politics, his German Shepherds, and most importantly spending time with his family.
Steve is survived by his loving wife, Wilma; children, Scott (Kona) Randall, Jaime (Brett) Bain, Charity Ashby, and Ronnie (Jessica) Ashby; grandchildren, Emily, Steven, Aaron, Jacob, Addison, and RJ; 1 great-grandchild on the way; and his siblings, Phillip Randall, and Connie McCall. Steve was predeceased by his parents, and his brother, Paul Randall.
Friends are encouraged to support Steve’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Convis Township Hall. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the National Rifle Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Howard Alden Smith
Howard Alden Smith, a resident of Leslie, MI, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the age of 84. Born on June 13, 1939, in Eaton Rapids, MI, he was the son of Alden and Geneva (Wake) Smith. Howard graduated from Springport High School in 1957. Howard served his country with pride in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1967, completing three tours in Vietnam as part of the Navy Seals unit.
Professionally, Howard contributed his talents to several notable establishments. He began his career at Aero Quip in Leslie, MI, later joining Lenn Industries in the same town, and finally retiring from Securitas in 2010 after providing security services for General Motors.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Howard was an active member of various clubs and organizations, including the American Legion, the Family Motorcycle Club, and the Michigan Bicentennial Wagon Train Club. He found joy in spending time with loved ones, playing PlayStation with his grandson, enjoying rounds of golf, and raising and breeding horses.
Howard is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Aldi Smith. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Garred) Smith; daughters, Jaunitta (Bruce Conant) Craddock, Terri (Phil) Cupp, Tammie (Jeff Gilbert) Hyde; cherished grandchildren, Josh (Katie Furgala) Bambach, Lindsey West, William (Stephany Gonzalez) Craddock, Talor (Josh Mayo) Bambach, Charley (Alli Gates) Gilman; great-grandchildren, Faith West, Anthony West, Jaxson Mayo; sisters, Gerri Brooks, Suzie (Butch) Pike, Elsie (George) Ehara; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to celebrate Howard’s life was held on Thursday, March 21, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Friends were invited to pay their respects starting at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow the service at the Onondaga Community Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 491 in memory of Howard. Memories and condolences can be shared online at www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.