Obituaries
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.
Gaylord R. Edgerly
Gaylord R. Edgerly, 85, passed away in Lakeview on Thursday, March 15, 2018. He was born to Marshal and Thelma (Edgerly) Bellinger on February 2, 1933 in Lakeview. Gaylord attended school in Lakeview, where he graduated in 1951. Gaylord took some college courses at Montcalm Community College and Lansing Community College. He worked for the State of Michigan as a Master Electrician for the Department of Transportation for 25 years where he eventually retired in 1991.
Gaylord married Jean Edgerly November 23, 1973.
For 25 years, Gaylord enjoyed volunteering for the Eaton County Court House Restoration Project and driving tractors in the Historic Charlotte Frontier Days parades. He also enjoyed restoring old tractors, musical instruments, and antique lamps and fans. He also enjoyed woodworking, gardening, genealogy and entertaining with his many musical instruments.
Gaylord will be missed by his daughters, Susan (Kel) Lutterloh of Howard City and Karen Jones of Sparta; stepdaughter, Helen (Tom) Sutherland of Eagle; stepson, Jeff (Deb) Cook of Bellevue and daughter-in-law, Laura Edgerly of Orleans; grandchildren, Grant (Jennifer) Edgerly, Kelly (Jared) Christensen, Charity (Rama) Dowsett, Brandon Jones, Derek (Tijana) Jones and Andrew (Emily) Simms; and nine great-grandchildren.
He will be received in Heaven by his parents, Marshal and Thelma (Bellinger) Edgerly; wife, Jean Edgerly, son, Gailen Edgerly and brother Ronald Edgerly.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Brigham Funeral Chapel-Lakeview. The interment followed at the Evergreen Township Cemetery in Sheridan.
Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton County Court House Square Association, 100 W. Lawrence Ave., PO Box 411, Charlotte, MI 48813.
Messages for the family may be left on the Brigham Funeral Chapel website brighamfuneralchapel.com.
Justine J. Snyder
Justine Janiece Snyder, 94, of Charlotte, passed away March 15, 2018. Justine was born July 14, 1923, in Charlotte, the daughter of Charles and Bertha (Ward) Malcuit. She graduated from Charlotte High School in the class of ‘39. On April 11, 1943, Justine and Raymond W. Snyder were married and shared the next 74 years together. Justine worked outside the home for Jerrold’s Apparel and later, the Charlotte Public Schools. Justine was a member of the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church and The Order of the Eastern Star.
She is survived by four children, Janiece (Gary) Frace, Cathy (Alan) Baird, Michael (JoDean) Snyder and Michelle (James) Mitchum; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and her dear friend, Jo Cole.
Justine is predeceased by her husband, Raymond; and brothers, Ward “Bud,” Leo and Bruce Malcuit.
Justine’s wishes for cremation were honored and a memorial service will be held at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 11 a.m.. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Those desiring may make contributions in Justine’s memory to the Lawrence Avenue Methodist Church, 210 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
The family would like to thank her in-home caregivers and the staff at Hope Landing.
To view Justine’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.