Charles T. "Charlie" Stocker

Charles T. Stocker, affectionately known as Charlie, passed away on November 28, at the age of 81, following a recurrence of bladder cancer. While we are saddened by his passing, we are comforted to know that he is now at peace and reunited with his beloved wife, Martha, who died in June. Charlie was a bright, kindhearted soul. He was a man of many actions and very few words.

Charlie was born in Metamora Township in Lapeer County, Michigan, on September 2, 1935, to Alberto P. Stocker and Alretta J. (Noice) Stocker. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University, where he met Martha. They wed in 1956 and were married for nearly 60 years. The couple raised their four children in rural Augusta.

While at Michigan State, Charlie was a member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). He served as an officer in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps and in the Army Reserve. Following his service, he worked in research and development at General Foods for 38 years. Here, Charlie had a hand in creating edible delights for pets and people. These include Gaines Burgers dog food, Stove Top stuffing, and breakfast cereals. He was awarded several patents for his pioneering work in the advancement of food manufacturing technology.

Charlie was an outdoorsman and a lifelong Boy Scout. He earned the rank of Life Scout early on. Along the way, Charlie participated in the 1950 National Scout Jamboree and experienced high adventure at the Philmont Scout Ranch. He later served Gull Lake's Troop 239 as an adult volunteer. Charlie guided countless young men and helped them to achieve their potential. His decades of service, even as Scoutmaster and Troop Chairman, were formally recognized with the esteemed Silver Beaver Award.

Charlie loved sharing his passions with others. As an avid history buff, he was a longstanding member of Kalamazoo's Civil War Round Table and the Historical Society of Michigan. Even his Native American talks with area school children helped youth gain a deeper appreciation of local history. Charlie was a faithful steward and 50-year plus member of First Congregational Church of Battle Creek, where he gave of his time and talents in numerous capacities. In his spare time, Charlie could be found gardening, reading, and woodworking. He was an exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable man, who was a teacher to many and a friend to all.

Charlie is survived by his children: son Dennis Stocker and grandchildren Kate and Will of Berea, OH; daughter Julia Stocker-Schneider, husband Randy Schneider, and grandsons Tristan and Jackson of Pinckney, MI; daughter Laura Bortner, husband Mitch Bortner, and granddaughter Audrey of Holland, MI; and son John Stocker and his wife, Meghan McGovern, of Alexandria, VA.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 8, 5-8 pm, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home in Battle Creek. Funeral Services will be held at 11 am on Friday, December 9, at the First Congregational Church of Battle Creek, with burial at Day Cemetery to follow. Memorial donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Battle Creek or the Michigan Crossroads Council of the Boy Scouts of America.