Obituaries
Claras S. Collins
Claras Selene Collins, 92, a loving mother, and grandmother, died March 28, 2018 at her home surrounded by her family. Claras was born September 23, 1925 in Union City, Tenn. to Ruby and Rosetta (Davis) Hastings. She graduated high school in Tennessee, she would later move to Michigan. On March 11, 1982 Claras married Richard Elmer Collins. Together the couple created lasting memories together rather it was going for adventures on his Harley-Davidson, enjoying flea markets, but most importantly their time spent in Florida together. Claras also enjoyed to read country western books, and also challenge her brain with Sudoku puzzles.
Claras is survived be her children, Gwen (Rick) Quinn, Sharon (Richard Jr.) Collins, Sue (Don) Goldsberry, Faye (Richie) Smith, Peggy Atkins, Wanda (Ron) Releford and Linda (Rick) Smith; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her husband Richard Elmer Collins Sr.; and her parents.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Claras on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Rachel R. Duncan
Rachel Renee Duncan, 25, of Charlotte, passed away Monday, March 26, 2018. She was born May 6, 1992 in Lansing, the daughter of Curtis and Gail (Swanson) Duncan. She adored her family and cherished every opportunity she had to be together. Rachel graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 2010. She enjoyed playing her clarinet in both the high school band and the community band. She also performed and assisted at Cheryl’s Gymnastics. Rachel also loved cosplaying as Japanese Anime characters and other animated characters.
She is survived by her parents, Curtis and Gail Duncan; sisters, Sydney Duncan, Amber Duncan; grandmothers, Sue Duncan, Judy Swanson; several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Rachel was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Francis Duncan and Russell Swanson.
Funeral services for Rachel will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 825 N. Cochran Avenue in Charlotte, with Pastor Mark Booth officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 2, 2018, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions to the Charlotte High School Band or the Charlotte Community Band.
To view Rachel’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Kenneth W. Chapman
Kenneth Wayne “Shooter” Chapman, “the greatest guy in the whole wide world,” died peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, surrounded by his family. Ken, 75, of Charlotte, was born January 20, 1943, in Leesville, La., the son of William Kenneth and Margaret Eileene (Kelsch) Chapman. In his youth, his family moved to Michigan. He graduated from Galesburg-Augusta High School, where he was the star quarterback. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps to proudly serve his country before returning to a career at Michigan Bell (later Ameritech). He started as a janitor and worked his way up through the company, retiring from management after over 40 years.
Ken married the love of his life, Christa Breitbach, on July 30, 1988 in Battle Creek and the two settled in Charlotte. Following retirement, Ken worked at Evelyn Bay Coffee in Charlotte, where he loved interacting with his many friends and fellow community members passing through each morning. He enjoyed time spent with his countless friends, especially on the golf course. Ken played several sports, including golf, racquetball, bowling, and slow pitch softball. In fact, his softball team travelled to Las Vegas and won the national championship. He owned racing horses and loved to travel. Above all, Ken loved his family.
Ken is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Christa Chapman; daughters, Wendy (David) French and Peggy (Dennis) Holder; grandchildren, Ryan, RaeLee, Parker, and James; great-grandchildren, Kade, Chaz, and Skylar; siblings, Carolyn (Doug) Becker, Barbara (Sonny) Choveac, and Charlie (Leesa) Chapman; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents.
A private gathering will be held at the first tee at Maple Brook Golf Club (formerly the Charlotte Country Club) early this summer. In lieu of flowers or donations, stop in to Evelyn Bay Coffee and order the new “Shooter” coffee drink, in honor of Ken.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ken on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Lee A. Beam
Lee Allen Beam, 78, of Charlotte, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.
A funeral was held Thursday, March 22, 2018 at City on a Hill Community Church in Olivet. Pastor Steve Byrens officiated and interment followed at Bosworth Cemetery in Walton Township.
Lee was born May 21,1939, in Nashville to Darrold and Doris Beam. He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1958 and married Martha Ann Javor on September 3, 1960, in Battle Creek. She survives. Lee worked for Battle Creek Enquirer for 35 years. He spent 20 years as the Classified Advertising Manager. He had a close working relationship, providing advertising with many of the local automotive dealerships. He joined Community Newspapers in Charlotte in 1993. In 1996 he joined the Marshall Chronicle where he served for a year and a half. After that he was a contracted employee for the marketing arm for the Michigan Press Assoc. in Lansing and provided consulting through his marketing company, Advise. In 1998 he became the fair manager for Calhoun County Fair for a five-year period before his retirement.
Lee enjoyed watching and playing sports, including basketball, baseball and football. He was especially proud of his .409 batting average in high school. He enjoyed vintage cars, especially his 1951 Ford pickup. He was an accomplished golfer who enjoyed competing in the Bellevue Golf League. He was a member of the Bellevue Conservation Club, Bellevue Lions Club, and Bellevue Historical Society where he authored several history books about the area. His faith was important to him and he enjoyed talking about his faith in Jesus Christ.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Darrold and Doris Beam; and his sister-in-law, Ellen Beam.
In addition to his wife, Lee is survived by his sons, Jack (Maria) Beam of Olivet, Joe (Julie) Beam of St. Joseph, Jerry (Chris) Beam of Bellevue, and Jeff Beam of St. Joseph; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Carol (Gary) Marsh of Charlotte; and brother, Doug Beam of Whittier, N.C.
Memorial contributions may be directed to City on a Hill Community Church in Olivet.
Please visit www.lighthousefuneral.com to share memories, pictures and videos with the family.
Allan Ainsworth
Allan Ainsworth, 74, of Lakeland, Fla., formerly of Sunfield, Mich., passed away Monday, March 19, 2018 after a lengthy illness. He was retired from General Motors.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ainsworth; children, Cathy (Robles), Royal, Kirk, Dawn (Goodemoot), Scott, Justin; stepson, Mark Weiler; sister, Janis Ainsworth; brother, Albert (Nancy) Ainsworth; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and niece, Darcy Hazel.