Chester F. “Chuck” Beers, 94, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday evening, Sept. 29, 2010, at Sturgis Hospital.
He was born Nov. 10, 1915, in LaGrange, Ind., a son of the late Ernest and Angeline (Hunt-Gilbo) Beers.
Chuck had resided nearly his entire life in Sturgis. On June 29, 1934, he married Dorothy E. Burke in LaGrange, Ind. She died Feb. 10, 2004.
He retired from Formed Tubes in Sturgis following many years of dedicated employment.
Chuck was a life member of the Eagles Lodge #1314. He enjoyed tinkering and ice fishing. In his early life, he played softball and basketball.
He is survived by a daughter, Lelah Palmer of Sturgis; five grandchildren, Patricia (Robert) Rhodes of Nashville, Tenn., Sandra (Bruce) VanEmon of Three Rivers, Scott (Deb) Stevens of Sturgis, Michelle “Miki” Rees of Sturgis and Rick Palmer of Sturgis; eight great-grandchildren, Lauri, Joel, Mike, Cherish, Heather, Maranda, Melanie and Christina; eight great-great-grandchildren, Erika, Rebecca, Gabe, Chloe, Taylor, Kaicee, Jarred and Jimmy; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; four sisters, Lana Bell Beers, Myrtle Leiler, Gladys Parsons and Edna Gillan; and three brothers, Cecil Beers, Clarence Gilbo and Walter Gilbo.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Chester Beers will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. The Rev. David C. Peterson of the Centreville Baptist Church will officiate.
A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in memory of Mr. Beers consider the Centreville Baptist Church, 115 E. Burr Oak St., Centreville, MI 49032.