Charles E. Carr

Some people achieve greatness by some notable act, something that is recognized in the newspaper or mentioned on the radio. Others, like Charles “Charlie” Carr, are quiet heroes, whose great deeds are softly given to the people fortunate enough to have him in their lives. Charlie had a great mind, kind heart and outgoing, friendly nature that always left people charmed and smiling. He was a man who cared for everyone he knew, and he expressed this care through his generosity and willingness to always lend a helping hand.

Under the leadership of President Warren G. Harding, America entered into the 1920s with confidence. The politics of the time were as turbulent as ever, yet industry had made the U.S. economy surge. The decade would be forever remembered for its carefree and decadent flavor. Lawrence and Beadus Carr were far removed from these things that characterize the 1920s. They lived a modest life in Vicksburg, Michigan and were excited to start a family of their own. On January 7, 1923, the couple did just that as they welcomed the birth of their son, Charles.

Charlie led a typical childhood of the time. He grew up in the Kalamazoo area with his brother, Arnold and sister, Beatrice, and spent much of his leisure time on his bike, coasting up and down the Westnedge Avenue hill (winters included). As a teenager, Charlie earned extra money hauling ashes out of neighbors’ houses. In school, he was a good student, and with a passion for music, he especially enjoyed playing the French horn in his high school band, the trumpet for the Salvation Army and the organ in his home. After graduating from Kalamazoo Central in 1941, Charlie went to work for a while as a sheet metal apprentice before receiving his draft notice from the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country during World War II, as part of the 3511th company. Thirty days after D-Day, his company landed on Omaha Beach and crisscrossed Europe, providing support in the Battle of the Bulge.

After receiving his honorable discharge on December 29, 1945, Charlie returned home and soon met the love of his life, Margaret Davis. Over the next few years, their love blossomed for each other and they were happily married in 1948. A year later, the newlyweds mourned the loss of their infant son, and then rejoiced a couple years later with the birth of their daughter, Sue. To provide for his growing family, Charlie went back to work in the sheet metal trade at Upjohn, where he retired as Head of the Department in 1984.

Charlie loved his family dearly, and together he and Margaret shared 50 years of marriage. They loved Big Band music and dancing together, going camping with their grandchildren and spending winters in sunny Florida. Church was also an important part of their lives as active members of the Vicksburg Methodist Church. Charlie enjoyed many hobbies too, including gardening, art projects, woodworking and working on big and small engines. It was obvious from a young age that Charlie was mechanically inclined and very intelligent. He only had to watch someone do something once before he attempted (and succeeded) it himself. With great patience, he sought out new challenges and learned everything he could. Charlie once created his own garden tractor and built his house from the foundation to the roof. He never had to have a mortgage because they lived in the basement while he completed the house around them. Charlie did all the repair work on the house over the years, and never hesitated to lend his skills to help his family and friends.

Charlie was a real people person and loved to talk; he could connect with people from all walks of life. After losing his beloved wife, Margaret, in 1998, Charlie began spending time with a special friend, Mary Conlin. They truly enjoyed each other’s company, going out to dinner and hitting the dance floor together - they were quite a pair. However, Charlie’s health had been declining for the last couple of years, and he died unexpectedly after having dinner with Mary at his home on Saturday, May 14, 2011.

Preceding Charlie in death is his parents; wife, Margaret; brother, Arnold; stepson, Ron; an infant son, and several brothers and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his daughter, Sue (Steve) Duemler of Vicksburg; sister, Beatrice Butler of Portage and daughter, Janice Arlington, of Kendall; grandchildren: Catherine and Cheryl Yingling, Toniya Camellari, Tina Hochstetler, Melissa (Jason) Wood, and Matthew Duemler; great grandson, Morgan Wood; along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends may spend time with Charlie’s family, share light refreshments and view his life story film on Wednesday, May 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main Street, Vicksburg (649-1697). Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 19, at 11 a.m. at Vicksburg United Methodist Church. Please visit Charlie’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory, upload a photo and/or sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral home or church.