Obituaries
Eldon Delos Howe
Eldon Delos Howe, a pioneer in the automotive industry and a beloved pillar of the community, passed away on November 24, 2023, marking the end of an era. Born on September 4, 1930, to Chester and Beulah Howe in Charlotte, Michigan, Eldon was the last surviving of five brothers.
From his formative years, Eldon was intricately involved in the family’s grocery and service station business located at the intersection of Clinton Trail and Vermontville Highway. School didn’t align with Eldon’s passions, leading to a pivotal moment when, in elementary school, he sought refuge from the school bus in the garage’s oil pit. This incident became a turning point as Eldon’s affinity for mechanics emerged, eventually propelling him into the world of cars.
His father’s decision to put him to work at the filling station turned out to be serendipitous. Eldon’s adeptness at fixing cars led him to venture into car sales in 1947, at the remarkable age of 17. He became one of Michigan’s youngest car dealers. His dealership flourished under his guidance after being christened “The Beacon.”
Eldon’s dedication to his work was unparalleled. His unwavering commitment saw him laboring until November 15, 2023, despite being under hospice care. His love for vehicles extended beyond the showroom; he remained a licensed driver until the age of 93, showcasing his passion and resilience.
Eldon married Patricia Moreland in 1962 and together they raised their son David. Family was at the core of Eldon’s being. He cared for his parents while managing the market, actively engaged in his family’s pursuits, and maintained a strong family-centric ethos throughout his life. He embodied the belief that a robust work ethic was the cornerstone of success, a principle he instilled in his family.
Eldon’s community contributions were significant. He held profound respect for emergency and first responders, and supported both the Charlotte Fire Department, Eaton Area EMS and a supporting founder of AL!VE. He was also supportive of the welfare of his community. Despite his numerous accomplishments, Eldon remained humble, never having boarded an airplane, or taken a vacation. His dedication to Beacon Sales and Service was unwavering, evident in his mere ten days of work missed throughout his extensive 76-year career.
Known for his formidable spirit, Eldon was an avid debater on politics and various topics. His love for reading spanned diverse subjects, and his encyclopedic knowledge of car makes, and models was impressive. He harbored affection for animals, especially the family’s lineage of dogs, and in his later years found solace in observing and feeding birds.
Eldon’s resilience was evident when, at 87, he overcame a grievous injury, a testament to his indomitable spirit and work ethic. His legacy is etched in the hearts of those who knew him, a legacy of determination, wisdom, and kindness.
He is survived by his beloved son, Dave and his wife Eldora; granddaughters, Erron Sparks (Mick Bazaire) and Keisha Howe (Brian Miller); great-grandchildren, Ty Pion, Brooke (Daniel) Miller, Caiden Bailey, Brody Miller, and Izzy Miller; nephews, Ron Howe and Don Howe; niece, Annette Florence; close family friend and caretaker, Dawn Howlett; loyal employees; and his four-footed companion Shiloh II. Eldon was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Pat; four brothers, Menzo, Garland, Bart, and Louis; and five furry four-footed friends, Ginger I, Ginger II and Ginger III, Babe, and Shiloh I.
The stories and “legends” of Eldon Delos Howe will endure through the generations. He will be deeply missed and remembered fondly by all whose lives he touched.
Visitation was Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Interment followed in Maple Hill Cemetery. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories on Eldon’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Eldon D. Howe’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Charlotte Fire Department Christmas Kiddies. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
James Dunn, Jr.
James Woodrow Dunn, Jr., 86, of Charlotte, Michigan passed peacefully into the arms of his waiting Savior Wednesday, November 22, 2023.
A devoted husband and father, James (Jim) was married to Janet (Cole) for nearly 70 years. They raised three children of whom he was very proud. The family travelled the country with their pop-up camper, eventually visiting 46 of the 48 continental states. They often camped in Michigan, too, especially enjoying a favorite fishing spot in Mesick and visits to Hartwick Pines.
He was proud to have coached his son Jim’s Peewee League baseball team for several years and he loved to roam the sidelines of Charlotte High School football games, especially when Jim was on the team.
James retired from Fisher Body, Lansing, having risen from line worker and union rep through promotion to supervisor.
He was born May 21, 1937, in Greene County, Tennessee to James Woodrow and Loretta (Ball) Dunn. He had two sisters and two brothers. The family moved to Michigan, and he attended school in Lansing until 8th grade when a move to West Windsor put him in the Charlotte school district. It was there that he and Janet met and fell in love. A couple of years later, when his family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, they continued their courtship long distance until Janet took the train there in December of 1953 and they were married January 10, 1954. Soon, they moved to Lansing and James started working at Fisher Body June 1, 1955.
Shortly after their first child, Cheryl, was born in 1958 they moved to Charlotte where they remained for the rest of James’s life. Daughter Carrie (Smith) was born in 1960 and son James Woodrow Dunn III was born in 1962. Family life over the years included long Sunday drives, morel mushroom hunting in the spring, summer frolics in the backyard pool and large, prolific gardens every year from which the family ate all year long.
James and Janet travelled extensively after their kids left home. They went to Hawaii to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They drove cross-continent to Alaska in their van over several weeks, and they wintered in Port Charlotte, Florida for many years. They finished the 47th and 48th continental states, so that they could say they’d been in every one of the United States.
The special pride and joy of grandparenting came to James’s life in 1988 when Curtis Kalleward was born, followed in 1990 by James Woodrow Dunn IV, Sarah Dunn in 1994 and Eliza Bychek in 1997. James and Janet reveled in numerous outings with their grands through the years—visiting zoos and museums, going camping, fishing, playing games and reading endless stories. In 2020, James delighted in becoming a great grandpa to Elizabeth Dunn and to Coulson Kalleward in 2021.
James was proud of the life he built with his family and the relationships he maintained with his extended family. He regularly attended Chester Gospel Church and believed deeply in the salvation of Christ, as learned from his beloved mother, Loretta.
James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Loretta (Ball) Dunn and sisters, Joyce Norton and June Haynes. He is survived by his wife, Janet (Cole), daughters, Cheryl Dunn Bychek, Carrie Smith (Steve) and son, Jim (Cheryl). Also surviving are brothers, MC (Maxine) and Jerry (Cordelia); aunts, Geneva (Ball) Foshee and Charlene (Hayes) Ball; grandchildren, Curtis Kalleward (Celeste), Jimmy Dunn (Theresa), Sarah Dunn and Eliza Bychek; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Dunn and Coulson Kalleward and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation took place on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 30 at Pray Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made in James’s memory to Chester Gospel Church, Charlotte, Michigan. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Jim’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone).
Clare Austin Ash, Jr.
Clare Austin Ash, Jr. (98) peacefully passed away on November 27, 2023, at 5:45 p.m. with his boys at his side.
Clare was born June 12, 1925, in Lansing, Michigan to Clare Ash and Thelma (Root) Ash. He grew up on the family farm in Chester attending country school and then Charlotte High School graduating with the class of 1943. After high school he attended Michigan Agricultural College (MSU) in the 2-year agricultural short course program.
On January 1, 1946 he married the love of his life, Shirley Tellas, and they began a life together, raising three sons, Dennis, Mark and Steve. Clare was destined to become a farmer and it was his passion. Together with his family, he built a large farming operation that continued until his retirement in 1994.
Clare served on many boards and was active in local Farm Bureau, FHA, MABC, 4-H, and Masonic Lodge in his younger days. After retirement he began restoring antique farm tractors. He was not color specific as he had John Deere, Minneapolis Moline, Oliver, Silver King, Massey Harris, and Farmall in his collection.
He made many friends and contacts in the agricultural business whether it be in the cattle, hog or seed business. He was not only a seed corn dealer for Pioneer, Funks and Golden Harvest, the family also grew Foundation, Certified and Breeder classifications of Red Kidney Bean and Barley seed from the crops grown and processed on their farm. Clare was also instrumental in selling calves through video sales at Michigan Livestock Exchange, something new in that day.
In addition to his love of farming, he had a strong love of family. He and Shirley were married until her passing in 2016 and worked side by side in the farming operations. Their sons also were involved in the farm and all three followed in Clare’s footsteps attending Michigan State University in the agriculture programs.
Clare is survived by his brother, Roger; sons Dennis (Danette), Mark (Judy), and Steve (Judy); and grandchildren, Mike, Austin, Adrienne, Matt, JoAnne, Joe, Steve Jr. and Christopher; along with 14 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death are his wife, Shirley; his parents, Clare and Thelma; sister-in-law, Mary; and granddaughter, Kristen.
Friends are encouraged to support Clare’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023, from 3-5:00 p.m. and 7-9:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. Interment will take place at Gresham Cemetery. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Clare’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Gresham United Methodist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Lois Bartholomew
Lois Elaine Bartholomew died November 26, 2023. A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, December 3, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte
Charlene L. Sutherland
Charlene L. Sutherland, age 83, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, in Lansing. She was born March 10, 1940, in Bay City, Michigan, the daughter of Harold and Leona (Labrenz) Dahn. She graduated from Bay City Central High School with the Class of 1958. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University. Charlene was a teacher in the truest sense of the word. She taught high school Spanish and geography for many years and also taught piano the majority of her life. Charlene loved music and played the organ at church and was always ready to sit down at the piano. She was a lifelong Lutheran and member of First Lutheran Church.
Charlene is survived by her children: Brian (Laura) Sutherland of Grand Rapids, Leslie Gifford of Lansing; grandchildren, Alexander, Amelia, Mary; and sister-in-law, Linda Dahn.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; son-in-law, Scott Gifford; and brothers, Lyle and Kenny.
Funeral services was held on Monday, November 20, 2023, at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Sean Esterline officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Those desiring may make contributions in Charlene’s memory to First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Charlene’s obituary online please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.