Obituaries
Bradley Clayton Johnson
Bradley Clayton Johnson, 54 of Charlotte, a mechanically minded guy who could figure out how to fix almost anything, died September 1, 2023. Born in Lansing, MI to Winston and Dianne (Howard) Johnson, he attended Charlotte Schools and as a teenager he was a very successful motorcycle racer. Very artistic in many ways, it showed in things that he enjoyed like woodworking and drawing. With a mind for fixing things, it was no surprise that he enjoyed construction, operating a forklift and construction equipment, and iron work as jobs, and the harder the work the more he liked it. Bradley also enjoyed doing landscaping work for his family.
Bradley is survived by his son, Gage Johnson; parents, Winston and Dianne Johnson; sister, Barbara (Scott) Werner; aunts and uncles, Gerry and Deanna Becktel, Larry and Christine Johnson Reynolds; Yvonne Roll, Bill (Barb) Howard, Ron (Jamie) Howard; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Marion and Clayton Johnson and Leona and Donald Howard; and uncles Gregory Johnson and Gary Roll.
Friends are encouraged to support Bradley’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Gilbert Gale Bishop
Gilbert “Gil” Gale Bishop, a WWII Veteran and a man always available to help whenever and wherever needed, passed away at his home in Charlotte, MI, on September 3, 2023, at the age of 96. Gil was born on January 1, 1927, at home in Macedonia, Illinois. This New Year’s bundle brought great joy to his parents Orlie and Nancy (Anna Roberson) Bishop. Gilbert was the third of five children born into this loving home. Serving in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1947, Gil lived onboard the USS Albany, the USS Dayton and the USS Missouri, faithfully developing a reputation for being diligent, dependable and pouring his heart and soul into every task.
After his return from the Navy, he worked in many occupations before working at the Owens Illinois Glass Plant in Streator, IL. On April 15, 1961, Gil married Marjorie and together they raised four children. In 1963, Gil and his family moved to Charlotte, MI when he transferred to the O-I Glass Plant here. Shifting careers again Gil become a carpenter for the Local Union #1449 where he worked for 24 years before retiring after a successful career. Always an active man, Gil found time for being a member of the American Legion Post #42 of Charlotte, MI, a Charter Member of The Charlotte Eagles Aerie #3552 and The Moose Lodge #2565.
During his younger life, Gil was once an award-winning archer, and he also enjoyed billiards and bowling. Fishing was his passion, with trips to Canada with friends, or fishing with his grandsons. He also loved hunting, going to deer camp every year. A highlight for Gil was a hunting and fishing trip to Alaska one year. Travel to Las Vegas with his wife Marjorie was also part of his yearly itinerary. His games of choice were Texas Hold ‘Em and Euchre. Gil’s journey through life was marked by hard work, dedication to country, family and friends, a love for the outdoors, and a talent for being a warm and welcoming gentleman to all he met. Rest easy Dad, you’re finally pain free we love you, until we meet again.
Gilbert Gale Bishop is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marjorie; children, Deborah (Foy) Davis of Laingsburg, MI, Donald (Pansy) McMeen of Charlotte, MI, Douglas (Regi) Bishop of Charlotte, MI, and Sherry (Steven) Wythe of Eaton Rapids, MI; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and brother, Robert (Sandy Hubbell) Bishop of Missouri; sisters-in-law, Norma Noble of Lansing, Mi, Helen Noble of Las Vegas, NV and Beverly Meyer of Minonk, IL. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Cuma Page; brother, Jesse Bishop; son-in-law, Shane Copher; grandsons, David D. Rosenbrook Jr., and Nickolas S. Bishop.
Fred Loren King
Fred Loren King, age 95, of Charlotte passed away doing what he knew best, working. Fred was born April 2, 1928, in Jonesboro, Illinois the son of Nathaniel and Myrtle (Pender) King. Fred grew up during the depression and soon established an unbeatable work ethic. He began working on the family farm at age six hauling wood and doing chores. At the ripe old age of nine years old he got his first job off the family farm at a local sawmill hauling sawdust. Fred would tell that in those days everyone worked doing whatever they could to help earn a living for their family. On June 29, 1949, he married Norma Jean McLane in Jonesboro, Illinois. Fred worked the majority of his life as a maintenance/boiler engineer at Charlotte Public School. He was one of the founding members of the Eaton County Educational Credit Union, which started at the old Charlotte High Schools. He was a devoted Christian and founding member of Calvary Baptist Church.
Fred is survived by his children, Brenda (King) Thomas of Flint, Darlene (Tim) Leever of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Fred King of Charlotte; grandchildren: Jason (Arlene) King, Steven (Stephanie) King, Destiny (James) Forward, Joshua King, Elizabeth (Chuck) Eagan; 8 great grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Elkins, Ruth Spiller; sister-in-law, Tia King; brother-in-law Henry (Vicki) McLane; sisters-in-law Pat Parrent and Clara Dobbs; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Norma; grandson, Caleb King; daughter-in-law, Shirley King; siblings: Roy (Myrtle) King, Betty King, Geneva (Walter) Jackson, Richard King; and brother-in-law, Raymond (Geraldine) McLane.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Potter officiating. Burial took place at West Carmel Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Fred’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church, 825 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Fred’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
M. Douglas Burkhead
M. Douglas Burkhead, age 89, passed away at his home in Ft. Myers, Florida in the early morning hours on Saturday, September 2, 2023. He was born August 8, 1934, in Battle Creek the son of M. Donald and Irma (Irish) Burkhead. Doug grew up in Charlotte and Olivet. He went on to graduate high school from St. John’s Military Academy in 1952. After high school he attended Olivet College and Worsham College where he obtained his degree in mortuary science. On June 16, 1956, he married Marguerite Louise Green at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. Doug and his family proudly served the Olivet and Charlotte communities for many years. The Burkhead Funeral Home was established in Olivet in 1909, by Maurice D. Burkhead, who was Doug’s grandfather. Originally it operated as a furniture business/funeral home. They also operated an ambulance service out of the funeral home. In January of 1968, Doug purchased the business from his father. He along with his wife Marguerite operated the funeral home until 1980. Doug also proudly served as the Eaton County Coroner for several terms as did his father before him. He was also a volunteer on the Charlotte Fire Department, served with the Charlotte Rotary Club, and the Shriners for many years. Doug loved his family with a deep devotion and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his daughters, Sabrina (Kurt Feikert) Burkhead of Traverse City, MI, Lizabeth (Michael Schaefer) Riebow of Traverse City, MI, Danielle (Kevin) Kenworthy of Fort Myers, Florida; son-in-law, Barry Riebow; grandchildren, Spencer (Ashley) Riebow, Taylor (Alex) Favreau, Kailee Kenworthy, Kasside Kenworthy, Keaton Kenworthy; great grandchildren, Lucy Riebow, Etta Favreau; brother-in-law, Charley (LeAnn) Green of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Susan Carpenter of Whitehall; sister, Jean (Allen) Fine of Florida; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Margueritte.
Funeral services were held on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home at Millerburg Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Doug’s memory to the Charlotte Fire Department, 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.To view Doug’s obituary online or to leave your condolences for the family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Dianne Kay Johnson
Dianne Kay (Howard) Johnson of Charlotte passed away September 4, 2023, at the age of 78. She fought a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease and lived out her final days at home with the care of family and special friends from Residential Home Hospice Care. Dianne was born August 22, 1945, in Charlotte to Donald and Leona (Royston) Howard, and graduated from Charlotte High School. In 1964 she married Winston Johnson and together they embarked on many amazing adventures.
Growing up a farmer’s daughter, Dianne was very proud to be able to work in the Michigan Lottery office for 35 years. She and her husband enjoyed many trips on their touring motorcycle and pulling a camper. They also enjoyed motorcycle races and other venues. With a beautiful flower garden, there was always lots to keep her busy at home as well, but she always found time for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the champion peanut butter fudge maker for all special parties, whether it was at home or at work.
Dianne will be remembered as a very giving and loving wife and mother. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Winston; daughter, Barbara (Scott) Werner; grandchildren, Justin, Austin, and Gage; and great-grandchildren, Linkin, Triton, Sophia, Emmet, Ellie, and Aiden; siblings, Yvonne Roll, Ron (Jamie) Howard, Bill (Barb) Howard; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerry (Deanna) Becktel, and Larry (Christine) Johnson Reynolds; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Bradley Johnson; her parents; and brothers-in-law, Gary Roll, and Gregory Johnson.
Friends are encouraged to support Dianne’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Dementia Society of America or the American Parkinson Disease Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.