John Paul "Cj" Carrier

John Paul "CJ" Carrier of Richland, MI




CJ, age 68, died unexpectedly Thursday afternoon, July 2, 2015 at his residence.


CJ, the son of Wilbur and Edena (Marston) Carrier, was born in Kalamazoo, MI on October 11, 1946 and was a lifetime area resident. He served his country nobly and honorably during the VietNam War during two tours as a Seabee in the United States Navy. As an E-4, he was awarded the Marine Combat Insignia and the VietNam Service Medal with One Bronze Star. CJ retired in 2009 as a parts deliveryman for the Morris Rose Auto Parts Company in Kalamazoo after 18 years of faithful service. He had been a very active bowler and played a round of golf quite often, but his passion was spoiling his grandson, Brodie. They shared a very special relationship. CJ was a regular at Richland Lanes, not many days would pass that he wasn't there playing his numbers, watching the Tigers or just being the social guy he's always been. Anyone that he met was a friend and could count on him for anything. That's what his true calling in life was taking care of everybody else! If you needed him, he was there.


Surviving is his daughter and best friend, Jessica L. (Rob) Lawrence of Hickory Corners, MI; the apple of his eye, grandson, Brodie John Lawrence; his wife, Marcia A. (Kehrberg) Carrier of Augusta, MI; three sisters, Shirley (Dick) Nance of Richland, Karen DeYoung of Vicksburg and Ann Ashby of Florida; three brothers, Richard Carrier of Florida, Steve Carrier of Michigan and Mike (Gayle) Carrier of Boise, ID and many nieces, nephews and cousins. CJ was preceded in death by his parents.


CJ's family (Jess requests casual attire, please!) will greet friends on Thursday, July 9th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89). A Celebration of CJ's Life will be held on Friday, July 10th beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Richland Lanes, 9900 East D Avenue (M-89). The Graveside Service to honor his service to his Country will be held on Monday, July 13th at 11:00 a.m. in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta with the United States Navy Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard bestowing full, military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in CJ's honor may be directed to the Honor Flight Network, Inc., 300 E. Auburn Avenue, Springfield, OH 45505.