Charles Edward Hallawell's Obituary
Age 90, of Michigan Center, passed away February 21, 2016 at CareLink of Jackson. Born October 24, 1925 in North Vernon, Indiana, Charlie enlisted in the Navy in December of 1943 where he went to radio school and then served on board the USS Laurens from her commission to her decommission. He received his honorable discharge in May of 1946 having been awarded many military honors including Asiatic Pacific, Philippine Liberation, and American Area ribbons along with a World War II Victory medal. His naval service allowed him to enter Ball State University where he graduated. He later did his post graduate work at Michigan State University. Charlie's professional career as a teacher began in Florida, then took him to Tri-State College, where he was a professor, and later to Jackson High School in 1963 where he remained until his retirement in 1985. As a volunteer Charlie served as a Boy Scout leader for the Land of Lakes Council, and as Commander of VFW Post 823 in Jackson, MI. He also was actively involved in Civitan where he served as President of the Cascades Civitan Club, Governor of the Michigan District and Director of Region 6 for Civitan International. Charlie was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Marjorie (nee Adams). He is survived by his daughter Ann (Ray Krome) of Massachusetts, his grandson Rex Brown (Lindsey Matetich) of Washington and his step-grandson Tyler Krome of Florida, his brother Robert (Tressia) Hallawell, his sister Mary Losey, and his twelve nieces and nephews and their families: Becky Jordan, Debi Johnson, John Losey, JoAnn Hallawell, David Losey, Sharon Pike, Steve Slick and Scott Slick all of Indiana, Sandy Artinian, Donny Adams, David Adams and Eddie Adams all reside in California. He spent his final 20 years with his beloved Margaret LaSerra of Michigan Center. Together they had many adventures and visited 34 states. Her three daughters and their families adopted him and loved him as their own: Sandy Gray, Margie Davis and Donna Roberts (Carl). Charlie loved life and traveled the world. He was smart, funny and generous. In his final months he was fond of saying that he had seen a lot of summers and winters. He had a wonderful life with no regrets. Charlie was surrounded by love and compassion during his final days. Services will be held at the funeral home Monday, February 29, 2016 at 11 am with Rev. Richard Brooks, Allegiance Hospice Chaplain officiating. Interment Hillcrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Sunday, 2-4 & 6-8 pm. Cemetery Military Honors will be offered by the Jackson County American Legion Ritual Team. The family is requesting donations be made in Charlie's memory to the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. Donations may be made online at http://www.legion.org. By mail: American Legion, 700 N. Pennsylvania St., PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Note donations for the Legacy Scholarship Fund in memory of Charles Hallawell, USN Veteran, WWII.
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