John Charles Bearden

John Charles Bearden, age 83 of Richland, Michigan passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 22, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee on May 20, 1941, the son of John W. and Louise (Stanfield) Bearden. Charles received his Master’s of Social Work from the University of Michigan and retired after more than 40 years of service as a social worker with the Grand Rapids Area Employment & Training Council and the Hope Network. 

Charles married Mary Ellen Scholten in Ann Arbor, Michigan on June 21, 1968; she survives. He is also survived by his children, Rebecca (Ted) Jobe of Austin, Texas and Brian (Erika) Bearden of Hickory Corners; and his grandchildren, T.J. Jobe and Eli Jobe. Charles was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jane Martin.

Charles served as president of the West Michigan ACLU for many years, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, and was a member of the Gull Lake United Methodist Church. He enjoyed sailing, biking, traveling, running, reading, playing bridge, and listening to classical music.

 A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 28, 2024 at the Gull Lake United Methodist Church, 8640 Gull Rd., Richland, MI 49083. In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to Habitat for Humanity, 1126 Gull Rd Ste. B, Kalamazoo, MI 49048, would be appreciated. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.