July 12, 1930 — Jan. 22, 2016

Charles W. Near, 85, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Friday evening, Jan. 22, 2016 in his residence in the presence of his family.

He was born July 12, 1930, in Filion, Michigan to Clarence and Irma (Rapson) Near, the fourth of ten children. He married Alice Amelia Neil July 5, 1953 in Port Huron, Michigan. She survives. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Mark Near; three sisters, Marian Donaldson, Winifred Darby, Dorothy Phillips; and two brothers, Lee Near and one brother who died in infancy.

Charles served in the U.S. Coast Guard from December 1949 until his Honorable Discharge in June, 1950. Charles was a member of Diamond Cove Missionary Church for more than 60 years, serving the ministry faithfully in a number of capacities. As long as he was in good health he was on the job at the church. Charles was an avid fan of any Detroit sports team. He loved to hunt and fish.

Charles will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of over sixty two years, Alice (Neil) Near of Cassopolis; two daughters, Gloria (husband, Gary) Kling of Niles, Elaine (husband, John) Gouwens of Culver, Indiana; four sons, Charles Arthur (wife, Carla) Near of Cassopolis, Edwin (wife, Virdeen) Near of Mishawaka, Paul Near and John Near, both of Cassopolis; one grandson, Jonathan (wife, Amanda) Kling of Niles; five step grandchildren, Ian (wife, Angela) Swank of Four Oaks, North Carolina, Hilary (husband, Dave) Pratt of Lansing, Jocelyn (husband, Sean) Dupuis of Mishawaka, Crystal (husband, Tim) VanBruaene of Mishawaka, Jessica Speelman of South Bend; fourteen step great grandchildren; two sisters, Donna (husband, Earl) Proctor of Edwardsburg, Helen (husband, Louis) Underwood of Mancelona, Michigan; two brothers, Clarence (wife, Linda) Near of Hemlock, Michigan, Glen (wife, Shirley) Near of Saginaw, Michigan; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, from noon until time of service at 1 p.m. in Diamond Cove Missionary Church, 22820 Diamond Cove Street (across from Ross Beatty Junior/Senior High School), Cassopolis, with the Reverend Charlie Keller officiating. Mr. Near’s remains will be laid to rest in Prospect Hill Cemetery.

The family prefers contributions be made in Charles’ memory to Diamond Cove Missionary Church, 22820 Diamond Cove Street, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.