Charles Wilson, Jr.

Our beloved husband, father, Bompa, brother, and peacemaker passed away on Friday, January 22, 2016 at the age of 89.  Chuck was born on March 15, 1926 in Pontiac, MI, the son of the late Lola and Charles Wilson.  He served proudly in the US Air Force during World War II and was recalled for the Korean Conflict.  He was employed for most of his career as the manager of Bursma Radio Supply in downtown Kalamazoo and later served as an independent conflict mediator.  He was a member of First United Methodist Church and a leader in the community.  He was the president of Westwood Little League in 1970 and helped to lead a community effort to build the current complex on Grand Prairie Street where a field there still bears his name.  He helped to start Camp New Day, a camp for children of incarcerated parents.  For the last 30 years, he has been a champion for finding a place in society and mentoring ex-offenders through the Center for Transformation in Kalamazoo.  He was a powerful advocate for people from all walks of life, instilling guidance and hope by working with prisoners, families, schools, and community agencies.  He was a member of the Mall City Barbershop Chorus for over 40 years, and especially enjoyed singing with his quartets – the Hum Bums and the Blue Plate Special.  He cherished his many fishing trips with family and friends, whether it be at Lake Doster, Lake Michigan, Canada, Alaska, or Hawaii.  He was a tough competitor on the tennis court.  He had a passion for his stained-glass artistry, and provided joy and hope to many who received his signature butterflies. 

Chuck is survived by his one true love and wife of 69 years, Jeddy Wilson; three children, Cyndee (Gary Brammer) Wilson of Kalamazoo, Debbie (Peter) Roon of Portage, and Mitch (Sarah) Wilson of Portage; eight grandchildren, his Hospice angel Chrissie (Jamie Wascher) Kemple, Andrew Kemple, Jamie (Crystal) Kemple, Jen (Jack Mills) Tomlinson, Matt (Cindy) Roon, Logan Roon, Amanda (Zac) Zedrick, Lindsay (Spence) Fogarty; seven great grandchildren, Julia Kemple-Johnson, Scottie Mead, Jay Wascher, Ty Tomlinson, Lilly and Hannah Roon, and Millie Zedrick; one sister, Pauline (Jim) Burger of Lexington, KY.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Brad, brothers Victor and Clayton Wilson, and sister Naomi Wideman.

Memorial services will be held at noon (12pm) on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church, 212 S. Park St., where friends may visit with the family at 11am until the time of the service.  Pastor Steve Charnley will officiate.  Arrangements are being made through Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven (269-637-0333).  If you wish to leave a condolence for the family or a story about Chuck you can do so at www.FilbrandtFFH.Com.  Interment will take place at a later date in Ft. Custer National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Center for Transformation, 5047 W. Main Street, #211, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49006, Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church, or a charity of the donor’s choice.