Jack C. Budrow

Jack C. Budrow, 94 of Battle Creek died peacefully at home on Friday, October 9, 2015.

He was born July 30, 1921 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Don and Jessie (Wheaton) Budrow.
Jack grew up in Battle Creek and has resided here most of his life. Jack graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1940, where he excelled in academics and athletics; in 2012, Jack was inducted into the Battle Creek Central High School Hall of Fame 2011-12. Jack joined the U.S. Coast Guard six months after graduation, served overseas during World War II, and was awarded a Bronze Star and the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal. While in the military, he became a certified electrician. After military service, Jack was employed at H.B. Sherman Manufacturing in the electrical department and soon became head of sales. In 1965, Jack joined Barker Manufacturing, rising to the office of president, where he remained for over 40 years. Along the way, he was instrumental in starting a medical device manufacturing business and a conveyor company. Jack remained president and owner of Burr Manufacturing, actively involved in the business, until his death.

Jack married Muriel Ireland in Battle Creek on January 3, 1941, and they remained side by side for over 70 years until her death on November 16, 2012. Surviving are three children, Jack C. (Diane) Budrow, Jr. of Battle Creek, Ann (Tom) Finnerty of Rochester, MI, Dan (Jacquie Traub) Budrow of Battle Creek; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Jack was also preceded in death by his father, Don; and his mother and stepfather who raised him, Jessie and Forrest Truax.

Jack joined First Presbyterian Church in 1946, and, over the years, served as an Elder, Deacon, Trustee and on numerous committees. He enjoyed golf, fishing, and skiing, and was a member and past-president of Battle Creek Country Club. Jack also enjoyed playing bridge, and traveled extensively with Muriel in the U.S. and around the globe. In 2014, he flew with the Talons Out Honor Flight to Washington D.C., visited all the veterans' memorials and was acknowledged with fellow veterans by crowds of people in Kalamazoo and Washington D.C. Jack was an avid Detroit Tigers and MSU fan, volunteered and supported the Boy Scouts, Haven of Rest and served on numerous local organizations.

Friends will be received 12:00 noon – 12:55 p.m. Wednesday, October 14th, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church, with funeral services immediately following at the Church at 1:00 p.m. Military honors will then be bestowed by Ft. Custer Honor Guard and the U. S. Coast Guard Honor Guard at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jack may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 111 Capital Avenue N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017 or to Bronson at Home Good Samaritan Hospice Care, 165 N. Washington Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49037. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.