Charles W. Sarabyn, 91

Born: Aug. 26, 1921

Died: Feb. 27, 2013

Charlie’s life began on Aug. 26, 1921, in Dowagiac, the son of John and Kathryn (Kaniuga) Sarabyn. He was a 1940 graduate of Dowagiac Central High School.

Charlie entered the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe as part of the 106^th Calvary. He was awarded three bronze stars for his contributions to the war.

He was united in marriage to the former Agnes Hampel on March 5, 1946, in Michigan City, Ind.

He continued his military service, retiring as a chief warrant officer in 1981 after serving his country for nearly 35 years.

Charlie also served as president of Franz-Sarabyn Inc., developers of Skyline Motel, and vice president of Sarabyn Inc., developers of the Oak Grove subdivision near Dowagiac.

Charlie was a parishioner of Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church in Dowagiac.  He was an honorary board member of the Kalamazoo Chapter of the American Red Cross, a charter member of the Civitan Club in Dowagiac, a 14-year Cass County commissioner, a 12-year member of the Cass County Board of Public Works and a six-year member of the Dowagiac Board of Public Works.

He was a member of the Grayling Officer’s Club, the Non-Commissioned Officers Club, the Retired Officers Association, Cass County VFW Post 1855, the American Legion, Dowagiac Elks Lodge 899, Dowagiac Moose Lodge 944, Dowagiac Lions Club and AARP.

Charlie loved his adventures hunting and fishing in Canada and out west with friends and family.

His loving family includes: his wife of 66 years, Agnes of Dowagiac; children, Bonnie Jean Bond and Charles D. Sarabyn, both of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; grandchildren, Shannon (David) Wright, Kelly (Rod) Bates and Melissa (Capt. George V.) Cushman; great-grandchildren, George Cushman VI, Lorelei Cushman, Brooke Wright and Roland Bates; brothers, Harry and Stanley (Arlene) Sarabyn of Dowagiac; and a host of nieces, nephews and many great friends.

Charlie passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, at The Timbers of Cass County.

He is preceded in death by brothers Andy and Steve Sarabyn and sisters Edna Daresh, Anna Thornhill and Mary Brechman.

His family will gather with friends on Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where a rosary service will be held at 6 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 a.m. at Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church led by Father Kevin Covert.  Charlie will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, Dowagiac, with full military honors following the service.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Charlie at www.yazel-clark.com.