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Funeral Services:

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.

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Funeral Services:

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.

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Funeral Services:

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.

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Funeral Services:

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.

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Funeral Services:

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.

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Funeral Services:

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.

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Funeral Services:

Barbara Ann Day, a caring and patient mother, grandmother, wife and friend, died peacefully on Friday, March 16, 2018. Barbara, 84, of Charlotte, formerly of Potterville, was born July 23, 1933 in Portland, Mich., the daughter of Raymond and Anna (Zanto) Cross. She graduated from Portland High School and moved to Lansing, where she worked briefly for Michigan Bell as an operator. On August 30, 1958, she married Billy Joe Day in Clare, Mich., following his return from service in Korea. The two settled in Potterville to raise their family.  Barbara worked as admitting clerk for Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital in Charlotte, retiring after nearly 20 years.

Barbara enjoyed her shopping therapy and time spent on the golf course. She was an avid reader and especially loved dancing.  She had a soft spot in her heart for animals. Many will remember her kind spirit and willingness to help other, especially as a good listener. Above all, she loved time spent with family.

Barbara is survived by her son, Mark (Norma) Day of Charlotte; daughters, Kim Day (Evelyn Chambers) of Potterville, and Lisa (Ronald) Price of Mulliken; grandson, Zachary Price; three step-grandchildren; sister, Doris Shattuck of Portland; and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, Billy Joe Day and her brother, Clare Cross; and sisters, Dorothy Fedewa and Katheryn Possehein.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment took place in Maple Hill Cemetery.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Medical Care Facility Activity Fund or Eaton Community Palliative Care.  The family wishes to thank the staff at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility for their compassionate care of Barbara.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Barbara on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

John J. Meeder, 91, of Boyne City, formerly of Potterville and Bellaire, passed away at home on Saturday, March 17, 2018. John was born on March 12, 1927, three minutes after his twin brother Jack, in Potterville, to Edward and Mabel (Heath) Meeder.

With a Doctorate in Education from Michigan State University, he worked as a teacher before joining the Michigan Education Association as a research consultant, retiring in 1988. John served in the military in both World War II and the Korean War.

In 1956 he married Annabelle LaTorre who preceded him in death in 2005. Also preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Dick Meeder; sisters, Anne Burley and Barbara Archer; and grandson, Stephen Hicks.

Surviving are his twin brother, Jack (Arlene) Meeder of Mancelona; sons, Terry (Johnna) Hicks of Cleveland Heights, Heath (Lori) Meeder of Boyne City and Torre Meeder of Boyne City; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

In accordance with his wishes, the family will remember him privately. In lieu of flowers, those who wish are asked to consider a memorial contribution in John’s name to the non-profit organization of your choice.

Arrangements were made by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at gaylordfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

James “Jim” Harry Augustine, 86, of Bellevue passed away March 13, 2018 at Evergreen Manor Assisted Living Facility in Battle Creek. Jim was born on January 9, 1932 in Battle Creek to Harry L. and Margaret (Burkett) Augustine. He graduated from Bellevue High School with the class of 1950.

Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force on December of 1950 and served our country until his honorable discharge in October of 1954. Jim served during the Korean War and earned many medals throughout his military career, including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal.

Jim married Elaine Brown on October 10, 1954 in Bellevue. They had four children and spent 63 loving years together. Jim worked at for the Eaton County Road Commission as a Foreman for 37 years. He retired in 2000. Jim was also a farmer throughout his life, raising beef cattle. Jim was a member of the Heritage Hills Bible Church in Bellevue. He enjoyed cutting wood, and hunting deer and squirrel. He as also loved farming and 4H.

Jim is survived by his wife, Elaine Augustine of Bellevue; children, Glenn Augustine of Bellevue, Harry (Louise) Augustine of Bellevue, Dale Augustine of Battle Creek, and Robyn (Bill) Courtney of Bellevue; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Margaret; sister, Marilyn Thornton; and brother Jerry Augustine.

Friends and relatives will be received at the Heritage Hills Bible Church on March 18, 2018, from 5 to 7 p.m. with family present to greet friends at that time. A funeral service will take place at the church on March 19, 2018 at 11 a.m. Jim will be laid to rest in Ellis Cemetery in Assyria Township following the service.

The family is being served by the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Bellevue Chapel.

Memorial contributions are requested to Heritage Hills Bible Church, or the Barry County 4H Scholarship Fund. Donations for the church may be sent to 13015 S M-66 Highway, Bellevue, MI 49021. Assistance with memorials for the Barry County 4H is available at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Bellevue Chapel.

Please leave the family a personal message and sign the online guest book at kempffuneralhome.com.