Charles “Chuck” W. Kingsbury, age 87, of St. Ignace, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. He was born on January 11, 1936, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Robert and Ada (Sparks) Kingsbury.
Chuck and his family lived in several states before settling in Spring Branch, Texas. He left school at age fourteen to begin working to help support his family. He enlisted in the United States Airforce in 1955 and served for twenty years. His duties sent him around the world including multiple tours of combat in Vietnam. It was while stationed at the Airforce base in Kincheloe, Michigan, that he met his bride, Rose M. Alkire of Carp River, Michigan. They married on January 4, 1964, after a whirlwind courtship. The marriage produced a daughter, Denise, in 1966, and a son, Charles Jr., in 1969, they would add a foster son, Don McLeod, later on. Chuck retired from the Airforce in 1975, with the rank of Master Sergeant. The family returned to St. Ignace, where he began working at LaSalle High School as a custodian, eventually becoming head of maintenance. This led to his work on the athletic facilities, especially the football field, which he took great pride in. It was generally accepted that St. Ignace had the best field no matter the weather. Over the years, he also worked as a bus driver, assistant coach in Pee Wee football, and volunteered his time for various school events. He lost Rose in 1997 to cancer and afterward, his greatest joy was golfing and spending time with his grandchildren. In recent years, he could no longer golf, so he took up watching wildlife on Gorman Road. Most days, he could be seen driving his golf cart up and down the road, often with his granddaughter, Vee, by his side. Chuck enjoyed watching and hearing of his grandchildren’s achievements in sports, dance, and music.
Chuck was a longtime member of the VFW, American Legion, the St. Ignace Golf and Country Club, and former member of the Moose Lodge.
Chuck was a great father and grandfather. He was truly the rock the family was built on. His strength, support, and guidance will be greatly missed.
Chuck is survived by his daughter, Denise Kingsbury of St. Ignace; son, Charles Kingsbury Jr. of St. Ignace; six grandchildren, Nakiya Kingsbury, Shawn Kingsbury, Varieanna Kingsbury, Krista (LaVake) Tamyln, Donnie McLeod, and Shelly (McLeod) Eifler; seven great-grandchildren, Talise Tamlyn, Jardy Tamlyn, Sage Tamlyn, Xander Eifler, Leah Eifler, Maximus Eifler, and Don Nash McLeod.
Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Rose; parents, Robert and Ada; five brothers, Robert “Bob” Kingsbury, Don Kingsbury, David Kingsbury, Larry Kingsbury, and James Kingsbury; sister, Dianne (Kingsbury) Waldorf; and son, Don McLeod.
A gathering will be held to honor and remember Chuck on Sunday, January 14, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at the VFW Hall, 1110 N. State St, St. Ignace, Michigan 49781, where refreshments will be served.
Family Life Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com
