Obituaries
Leland E. Carpenter
Leland E. “Lee” Carpenter, 69, of Whitehall, formerly of Charlotte, passed away, Monday, February 18, 2019. Lee was born April 25, 1949, in Lansing, the son of Edward W. and Shirley (Feier) Carpenter. Lee graduated from Charlotte High School in 1967. Soon after graduation he honorably served his country in the United States Army in Korea during the Vietnam War. On July 18, 1970, Lee married Susan Elizabeth Green at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. Lee retired after many faithful years of service from the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission and National Wine and Spirits. One of Lee’s favorite pastimes was cruising the Lake Michigan shoreline with Susie in their boat. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing, and watching MSU sports and Detroit Tigers baseball. Lee was active throughout his life in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at White Lake Assisted Living and Harbor Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.
Lee is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan; mother, Shirley Carpenter of Whitehall, formerly of Charlotte; sister, Lois (Rudi) Semen of Lansing; brother, Kevin (Cindy) Carpenter of Tennessee; brother-in-law, Charley (LeAnn) Green of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Marguerite (Doug) Burkhead of Williamsburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edward W. Carpenter, nephew, LCpl Andrew Carpenter.
Funeral services were held on Friday, February 22, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Rev. John Brooks officiating. Interment followed at Millerburg Cemetery. There will also be a memorial service held on Saturday, February 23, 2019, at 11 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, 8945 Stebbins St., Montague, MI 49437 with visitation one hour prior to the service.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Lee’s honor to the White Lake Assisted Living, 6827 Whitehall Road, Whitehall, MI 49461 or Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon, MI 49441.
To view Lee’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Marie L. Franks
Marie Louise Franks, 90, of Satsuma, passed from this life on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at her home following an extended illness. She was a native of Okmulgee, Okla., and had lived in Satsuma for the past 10 years, coming from Charlotte. She enjoyed Bingo, horse races, scratch-offs and watching game shows on TV. Marie was of the Baptist faith.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Franks; and parents, Carson McDaniels and Sarah Myrtle Virginia Byford.
She is survived by her son, Lonnie Lee Ackley of Charlotte; her daughter, Karen Palmer (James) of Satsuma; 16 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren.
No services are scheduled at this time.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Marie’s Book of Memories page at johnsonoverturffunerals.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.
James A. Clemons
James Albert Clemons, 82, of Bellevue, passed away Friday, February 15, 2019. He was born April 14, 1936 in Battle Creek, the son of LeRoy and Marjorie (Berry) Clemons. Jim worked as a farmer his whole life and for Kellogg Co. for 30 years before his retirement. He married Duretha Myers on October 8, 1954 in Battle Creek. Jim was a member of the Kellogg 25-year Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #299, and attended Pleasantview Family Church. He enjoyed golfing and bowling and was involved in many leagues. Jim loved spending his winters in Mercedes, Texas. His greatest joy was spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 64 ½ years, Duretha; daughters, Valerie (Chuck) Tuttle, Valeta (Doug) Norris, and Vickie Mingus; sisters, Marilyn Gordon and Sharon (Al) Ballard; brother-in-law, Cork Berry; longtime friend, Bill Schroder; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and special cousins from Jackson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Connie Clemons; son, Gordon Clemons; son-in-law, Denny Mingus; and sister, Carolyn Berry.
Funeral services have already been held. Burial took place at Assyria Cemetery in Barry County.
Memorial tributes may be made to Pleasantview Family Church. Arrangements were made by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service.
Perry M. Walters
Perry Michael Walters, 60, an avid fisherman both in the water and on the ice, died February 12, 2019. Perry was involved with both Cub and Boy Scouts. Perry was born in Charlotte on October 31, 1958 to Ned and Beverly (Payton) Walters. Perry worked in Georgia for over 20 years. A Georgia drawl made Perry recognizable from his Michigan family and friends. In order to care for his father who was in poor health, Perry returned home to Michigan. For the last seven years Perry has been employed at Peckham Industries. Fishing was Perry’s main interest. He loved spending time with a fishing pole in his hands and country music on the radio.
Perry is survived by his loving family; sister, Cheryl L. Pressler; and brother, Danny D. Walters.
Perry was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Lynn Walters.
A Celebration of Life service was held Thursday, February 21, 2019 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment in Maple Hill Cemetery followed the service.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Perry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Charles Downham
Charles Downham, 72, formerly of Charlotte, passed away January 18, 2019 in Spring Hills, Fla. He had been the former owner of the Eaton Place Restaurant and Carriage Cleaners. He was born September 23, 1946 in Chicago, Ill. to Opal (Cochran) Downham and Robert R. Downham. He then was raised in South Bend, Ind. and graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School. He married Mary Willis in 1973. One child, a daughter, was born of that marriage. The marriage ended in divorce. Charles moved to Tampa, Fla. 20 years ago and returned to Michigan at times to visit his daughter, Lauren and her son. Charles had a great love for fishing and hunting, and he loved the animals. In his younger years, he did competition dancing on roller skates and was on his high school swim team. He had been a member of the U.S. Marine Corps.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his daughter, Lauren M. Shuler.
He is survived by his ex-wife, Mary Willis Mogg of Olivet; grandson, Matthew Shuler; brother, Robert R. Downham; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Cremation has taken place and a private burial will be held at a later time.