Chuck Taylor, 79

Charles Harold (Chuck) Taylor, age 79, of Branch, MI passed away at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on July 9, 1934, a son of Harold and Dexter (Hunter) Taylor in Sturgis. On April 18,1953 Chuck married Joyce Kipker in LaGrange, IN. He served in the Michigan National Guard from 1953 to 1983. He worked as a Superintendent at Michigan Gas Company for 42 years retiring in 1994.

Chuck was a member of Sturgis Eagles and American Legion. He was an avid baseball and softball fan playing fast pitch for 30 years and coaching in Little League and Sturgis High School. Chuck and Joyce loved to travel.

Surviving are his wife Joyce Taylor, Branch, MI, daughters Rhonda (Bradley) Harper, Sturgis, Raenell (Douglas) Staples, Centreville, sons, Randy (Alice) Taylor AR, Ryan (Katha) Taylor, Sturgis, Rodney (Gail) Taylor, Big Rapids, MI, Charles (Kate) Taylor, Burr Oak, sister Maxine Mains, Coldwater, brother George Taylor, Centreville, 13 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, John, Henry and Edwin Taylor, and sister Ethlyn Faulkenstein.

Relatives and friends will be received on Saturday from 4 to 7 pm at Eley Funeral Home in Centreville. Religious services will be held 2 pm Sunday at the funeral home with Pastor Larry Wallman officiating. Interment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Motts Children’s Hospital. Online messages may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com