Walter E. East

Walter E. East, 84, of Richland, passed away on August 5, 2014. He was born in Kalamazoo on February 27, 1930, the son of Benjamin and Katherine (McNees) East. Walt graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School before serving his country as an Army Sergeant in the Korean War during 1951-52. He was wounded during service and was awarded the Purple Heart and the recipient of several other combat medals. Upon returning home he completed service at Fort Custer before attending Pine Lake Trade School for cabinet making.

He was joined in marriage to Marilyn Chalker on July 10, 1951 who survives along with their children, Steven East (Katie Johnson) of Kalamazoo, Jeffrey (Jenni) East of Richland, Nancy (Brian) Klepper of Silver Lake, Linda East of Williamston, John East of Kalamazoo, Mary East (Spencer Holwerda) of Kalamazoo, Kate (Steve) Rizor of Vicksburg, Lorri Busick, a close family friend who was like a daughter to him. Grandchildren includes Sarah and Don Tucker and daughters Grace and Elyse; Rebekah Klepper (Todd Goodrich and sons Jake and Travis); Joel and Amy East and daughter Eliza; Andrea and Shawn Obi and daughter Rose; Andrew and Samantha Klepper; Adam (Lauren Davies) East; Luke (Brooke Alsup) East; Mallory East; Alexi and Zoey Michalak; Nathan Butcher, Logan and Ty Holwerda; and Zach Councell (daughter Addalyn). He was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters and brother. He is survived by his brother Donald (Diane) East of Portage, Michigan, and many nieces and nephews.

Walt devoted his career to the construction industry. He was a founding partner at CSM Group of Kalamazoo, Michigan, until retirement and enjoyed classic cars, woodworking and most of all time spent with his family.

A celebration of life memorial will be held 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., Thursday, September 18, 2014 at the Gilmore Car Museum 6865 W Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, MI 49060 where a Time of Sharing by family and friends will be held at 3:00 p.m. He will be buried with full military honors at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bronson Health Foundation, 301 John St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 or the Southwest Michigan Veterans Relief Fund, 228 N. 20th St., Battle Creek, MI 49037. Arrangements were made by the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Richland Chapel.