Charles Ray Ferguson

DEWITT –

Charles Ray Ferguson of DeWitt passed December 13, 2021, surrounded by his family and close friends. Chuck was born October 20,1929 in DeWitt, Michigan to the late Esther and Glenn Ferguson. Chuck’s mother passed away when he was five years old and raised by his Grandmother Grace Keck on a farm on East Alward Lake Road until he was thirteen. When Grandmother Grace passed, Chuck moved back to live with his father in DeWitt. During this time, Chuck earned Eagle Scout, an honor he was most proud. After graduating from DeWitt High School in 1947, Chuck joined the United States Air Force and served as a B-29 Tail Gunner. Upon discharge in 1950 he joined the Michigan Army National Guard and assigned to the US Property and Fiscal Office located in downtown Lansing, Michigan. His unit duties involved providing logistical support for all Michigan Army Guard Units. Chuck was proud of his 37 years of military service work and would advance to the rank of Colonel before retiring in 1984. His military service included command of the 46th Replacement Company, 146th Military Police Battalion, ending his career after his promotion to full Colonel as Director of Supply and Services Logistic Officer of the Michigan National Army Guard. Norma Irene Decker, his wife and life partner of 61 years, passed in 2016. Chuck and Norma were inseparable and cherished their close friends who enjoyed card clubs, singing together in various community choirs and their church and community service work. After Chuck’s retirement they traveled throughout the United States and abroad. But it was family gatherings that they looked forward to the most. Together they raised a family, daughters Constance I. (Mike) Botke, and Kathrynn (Jim, deceased) Howland, two sons both deceased, Richard (Jean), and David (Rose). Chuck was a loving husband, father, a proud grandfather, and great-grandfather, heartbroken at the loss of one grandson, David Michael. A brother Keith (Ruth) and sister JoEllen (Wing) survive Chuck. Family and friends will gather for visitation at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home of DeWitt from 2-4 and 6-8pm on Sunday, December 19th. The funeral service will be held at Northpointe Community Church on Monday, December 20th at 11:00am with visitation from 10:00am until the time of service. (Chuck’s family acknowledges the care and assistance from Sparrow Hospice and encourage everyone to support them in lieu of flowers.)