Charles Lewis Scofield Sr.

Charles Lewis Scofield Sr., age 73, of Lake Odessa, Michigan who went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 11, 2023. He was born in Mckeesport, PA on August 31, 1949 to Ralph and Lulu Scofield.

He was a loving husband, devoted father and beloved Papa. As a young man he served his country as a medic with the airborne brigade in the United States Army and fought in the Vietnam war during which he was awarded a purple heart. After the military he attended Ferris State University for Law Enforcement. He served as a police officer in Tecumseh, MI and then served and protected his community for 23 years as a Police Sergeant with Ionia Public Safety. He also helped launch the D.A.R.E program in Ionia and loved working with the children in the community. His humor and practical jokes were well known around the police station and many were on the receiving end of pop-its under the toilet seats or salt filled cupcakes left in the breakroom.

Beyond his professional achievements he married the love of his life Kathie (Jackson) on April 29th, 1972. They settled down in Lake Odessa Michigan to raise their family. Charles was a devoted husband frequently buying his wife flowers for no particular occasion. One valentine's day he made a huge heart out of snow in the driveway that ended up featured in the local paper. He even endured a dream trip to Graceland for Kathie and more recently the Elvis movie although he later described it "as exciting as watching paint dry".

After retirement from the police force Charles enjoyed reading, researching his family's genealogy, tending to his roses and flower beds, collecting antiques and was an avid U of M fan cheering on the Wolverines and more often than not decked out in U of M gear. He enjoyed attending Clarksville Bible Church and appreciated Pastor Tim visiting him in the hospital the last few weeks of his life.

He was forever proud and supportive of his children Jennifer, Erica, April and Charles Jr. His legacy is one of selflessness and compassion, always putting the needs of his children before his own. Whether it was cheering them on from the sidelines of soccer games, track meets or cheerleading, offering a listening ear during tough times, or providing guidance through life's challenges. He was a constant source of encouragement and support for his children.

He was a beloved Papa to Cole, Caden, Jaxon, Jace, Mackenzie Jo and Telisa. His joy in this role knew no bounds and he was a huge part of their lives starting as infants, who were fortunate enough to stay with Grandma and Papa while their parents were at work. They formed strong relationships and Papa was their best friend. As they grew older he loved to watch the boys play sports and Mackenzie Jo in cheer competitions. He attended every game and competition that he could and in between would proudly wear their sports photo buttons and tell everyone he saw about his amazing grandchildren.

The grandkids often enjoyed sleep-overs at Grandma and Papas which included rides on the lawn mower and his golf cart and gifts of glow sticks and bouncy balls. He would always greet them outside on the porch as he was too excited to see them to wait inside.

Charles loved his family and in the last few weeks of his life even when he was in the hospital and in pain he never stopped telling Kathie, his kids and grandkids how much he loved them and how proud he was of them, and he always expressed his gratitude to the medical staff who cared for him and always used his humor to make them laugh. He commented frequently that he couldn't do much in his hospital bed but he could still make people laugh.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. His spirit lives on through the lives he touched and the memories he created. He is now free of pain, in peace and finally home in the embrace of his savior Jesus Christ.

Charles will be lovingly missed by; his wife of 51 years Kathie, children Jennifer L.(Brian) Stahl, Erica Jo (Josh) Nyman, April Jo (Jason) Ackerman, and Charles (Jebree) Scofield jr, beloved grandchildren Cole, Caden, Jace, Jaxon, Mackenzie Jo and Telisa, sister Dorothy (Howard) Harder, nieces Darla (Mark) Maday, Debbie (Carl) Snider, Becky (Matt) Baxter, Marsha Fields, 5 great nieces and nephews, in-laws, Joe Jackson,Carolyn Jackson, Lee (Carol) Jackson, Erma Thomas, Claudia (Bill) Barker and Paul (Judy) Jackson and Bruce Jackson.

Preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert Charles Scofield, Aunts Menerva and Rachel, In-laws Elden and Marilee Jackson, Betty Jackson, John Jackson, Julie Maurer and Leroy Thomas.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at Koops Funeral Chapel from 5pm until 8pm. Funeral services will be held at Clarksville Bible Church on Wednesday, August 16,2023 at 11am. Burial will take place in Lakeside Cemetery with military honors at 1:30pm after the funeral.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.koopsfc.com for the Scofield family.