Chuck Withers, 88

Charles Dallas Withers, age 88, of Three Rivers, passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at his home. He was born on Feb. 27, 1923 in Three Rivers, MI. the son of the late Onnie Franklin and Violet Lucille (Sanders) Withers, both of Three Rivers.

Mr. Withers graduated from Three Rivers High School and briefly attended Western Michigan University before enlisting in the armed forces during WWII, serving in the European theatre as a military policeman. Just prior to being deployed in 1943, he met the love of his life, Esther Louise Kelley, in her home state of Massachusetts. They were engaged by the time he was shipped overseas, wrote letters every day, and when he returned, they were married in Central Square Congregational Church in Esther’s hometown of Bridgewater, Mass. On Sept. 2, 1945.

In 1965 Chuck and Esther and their three children moved to Three Rivers where they lived the rest of their lives . Chucks loving wife Esther passed away on Jan. 28, 2007 in Three Rivers. Chuck was employed by John Sexton and Company food wholesaler from 1945-1962, and after moving to Three Rivers, he worked for the Three Rivers Commercial-News/Penny Saver for many years before retiring at age 72 in 1995.

Chuck was an avid golfer, still involved in league play at the time of his death, and served for 20 years on the “chain gang” at the Three Rivers Wildcat football games. He was also a member of the Three Rivers B.P.O.E. Lodge #1248. During the 1980s he served as a Three Rivers City Commissioner and also on the Riverside Cemetery Park Board. He enjoyed big band music, hunting and fishing, and spending time with his family.

Chuck leaves behind to cherish his memory his three loving children, Dale Ellen Withers Peck, of Santa Clara, California; Janet Louise Withers Hill, of Stockbridge, MI., and Brad Dallas (Laura Satterlee) Withers, of Three Rivers, three grandchildren, Brian Charles Peck, of Sunnyvale, CA., Michelle Lee Lotts, of Riverview, MI., and Angela Marie Lotts (Jason) Radofski, of Waterford, MI.; two great-grandsons, Logan Dallas and James Marshall Radofski, both of Waterford, MI; sister-in-law, Evelyn Kelley Wager, of Middleboro, MA ., and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial services will be held 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 12, 2011 at the Hohner Funeral Home, with Pastor Bob Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Memorials may be donated to the Three Rivers Athletic Boosters. Envelopes available at the funeral home.