Charles "Chuck" Tompkins' Obituary
Mr. Charles D. “Chuck” Tompkins, age 81, passed away Saturday, October 9, 2021. He was born in Hart, Michigan on May 22, 1940 to Lyle and Evelyn (Diehl) Tompkins. Chuck served in the United States Navy from February 23, 1961 to February 15, 1965. He served four years on the USS Independence CVA-62 and was part of the brigade that stopped ships from entering Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. On May 18, 1963, Chuck married the former Carol A. Hall in New Bedford, MA. He was employed by the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District (MAISD) prior to his retirement in 2002. Chuck was an active member of the Don Rea VFW Post #8846 where he served in many capacities including commander and post honor guard. He also served on the Muskegon County Council Honor Guard. Chuck loved to watch local high school football, Lumberjack hockey, and enjoyed attending his grandkids’ sporting events. He was a long-time member of Central United Methodist Church of Muskegon, the Y’s Men Service Club and the Muskegon Train Club. Chuck is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol; four children, Sue (Dale) Beattie, Debra J. Tompkins, Raymond (Tammy) Tompkins, and Karen (Kaden) Tompkins-Davis; four grandchildren, Melissa (Nate) Lakanen, Amanda (Donald) Nuñez, Katee Tompkins, and Samuel Tompkins; great-grandchildren, Aria Nuñez, Zoe Nuñez, Donny Nuñez, and Vincent Nuñez; sister, Linda McLouth; sisters-in-law, Carole Tompkins, Sheryl Rowe, Marilyn Hall; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Tompkins. VISITATION will be from 5-7 PM Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442. A MEMORIAL SERVICE and MILITARY HONORS will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, October 14, 2021 at the Don Rea VFW Post #8846 (1061 Witham Rd., North Muskegon, MI 49445) with visitation from 1-2 PM. MEMORIALS in memory of Chuck may be directed to the Don Rea VFW Post #8846. Burial will be in Sunrise Memorial Gardens.
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