Darrel H. Charles' Obituary
Darrel H. Charles, age 84, died Saturday evening, March 5, 2016, at the Poppen Residence, after a brief illness with multiple myeloma. He was a Christian man, a devoted husband, and a loving and caring Dad and Grand-dad. He was born February 18, 1932 in Muskegon to John and Marie (Reeths) Charles; and had been a long-time resident of the area. Prior to moving to Grand Haven for a few years, he enjoyed his cottage on Upper Silver Lake, his Sunfish sailboat and water skiing. Darrel was a 1950 graduate of Muskegon High School and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. On August 27, 1954, he formed a life-partnership with his wife, the former Jean Cogar, and they happily celebrated 61 years of marriage in 2015. Darrel had owned Seaway Delivery Service from 1976 until his retirement in 1999. Previously, he had owned Darrel’s Automotive from 1966–1976; and had worked at Charles Service Center from 1954–1966, as a co-owner with his brother, Wayne. He was an active member the past 13 years at McGraft Memorial Congregational Church, where he enjoyed his volunteer work as grounds keeper, with his wife, Jean. He was a former member of Crestwood United Methodist Church; and of the “Old Newsies”. Darrel and Jean moved to Fairway Farms Condominiums in 2003, where Mr. Charles was an integral part of the condo community. He greatly enjoyed his volunteer work, which will have a lasting impact. He had a strong work ethic and was a leader in providing many enhancing projects to the condo association. SURVIVORS include his wife, Jean; 2 sons, Rick (Brenda) Charles of Stillwater, OK and Kevin (Larry Fernandez) Charles of Port Charlotte, FL; 2 grandchildren, Laura (Bill) Appleton of LA and Philip (Shelbi) Charles of OK; 1 great-grandson, Bennet Charles; 1 sister, Carol Hoffman of North Muskegon; and many caring, loving nieces and nephews. Darrel was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Rev. Bruce Charles and Wayne Charles. FUNERAL SERVICES will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 12, 2016 at McGraft Memorial Congregational Church (1617 Palmer Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441). VISITATION will be one-hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Norton Cemetery. For a more lasting memorial, you are asked to consider the Memorial Fund of McGraft Memorial Congregational Church, or the Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice, 2065 E. Mt. Garfield Rd, Muskegon, MI 49444. You are also invited to sign the Family’s Online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by the Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49441
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