Charles P. Willis
September 8, 1948 – October 17, 2018
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 1:00 PM. A time of visitation will take place at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Inurnment with full military honors will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Charlie’s memory may be made to the Battle Creek VA Medical Center, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 70, passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2018. Charlie was born in Kalamazoo on September 8, 1948, the son of the late Jerome and Anne (Mejeur) Willis. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a Military Policeman. Charlie retired from Graphic Packaging after 40 years of employment. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Charlie also enjoyed golfing and spending time with his beloved grandchildren. On July 11, 1987, he was united in marriage to Patricia Marie Waldrop who survives. Charlie is also survived by his daughters, Von (Matt Snyder) Durbin-Mead and Sara (Michael Pineda) Durbin; grandchildren, Marshall and Lilianne Mead; sisters, Priscilla (Ray) Becker, Pat Leversee and Valerie (Craig) Nemeth; several nephews and special friends, Jim and Connie Klok.
A very sad day. Always loved and respected; you’ll be missed Uncle Charlie! Thank you for teaching me how to catch, clean, cook and eat fish. I deeply regret not having seen you sooner before your passing. I’ll never forget the last time we met. Thank you for your service to our nation in Vietnam. The next round of bluegill are on me…. “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it…” – Unknown
A very sad day indeed, we have been through a lot, good times and bad, but always together! My heart hasn’t healed from loosing Mike and now you. It hurts so much. I love you.
Sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers of comfort to you and your family.
We will miss your patience, kindness, and humor, but we are so grateful and so lucky to have had you as part of our lives. NIcole, Jeff, and Graham
Our condolences! I know Charlie is catching up with Kathy’s parents and his parents in their heavenly home! Our thoughts are with family and friends as you grieve his loss. The video was a wonderful celebration of Charlie’s life.