Charles Edward Mather

Charles Edward "Charlie" Mather Lakeland, FL Charles Edward "Charlie" Mather, age 86, of Lakeland, FL, formerly of Battle Creek, died January 20, 2009, in Lakeland, FL, with his daughter, Linda, at his side. Charlie was born on July 12, 1922 in Battle Creek and was the son of Fred and Bessie (Rounds) Mather. He attended Battle Creek Central High School and during the 1930's, he enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corp. (CCC). During World War II, Charlie enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country as a P.F.C. with the 216th Anti-aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion in Africa, the Central European Campaigns including the invasion of Anzio and the Rhineland. Returning from the War, he worked for the Oliver Plant before joining the Kellogg Company, where he retired in 1985. Charlie was a lover of all sports, especially golf. He was a member of Riverside Country Club of Battle Creek, Grasslands Golf and Country Club and Cleveland Heights Golf and Country Club-both of Lakeland, FL. It was through their love of golf that Charlie and his wife, Patricia, made many, lifelong friends and lasting memories. He was a member of the Kellogg 25-Year Club; the American Legion Post # 4 and a lifetime member of the VFW. On June 16, 1972, in Battle Creek, Charlie was united in marriage to the former Patricia A. (Hess) Haddock and since 1985, they had made Lakeland their home. Patricia preceded him in death on November 27, 2005, after 33 years of marriage. Surviving are his daughter: Linda M. Shafe of Battle Creek; a granddaughter: Amy (Scott) Shafe Wulf of Chicago, IL; stepchildren: Jeannie (Ted) Perry of Banfield, MI, Craig (Audrey) Haddock and James Haddock-both of Battle Creek and David (Phylis) Huskin of Dansville, MI; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and by his first wife: Gloria (Hayes) Mather of Battle Creek. He was preceded in death by his parents and by two sisters: Pearl Debow and Melvina Abbott. Charlie was a generous soul, who loved his family and friends and was always willing to help those who needed him. He was a good man who will be deeply missed. At the request of his family, the graveside service to celebrate Charlie's life will be held on Monday, March 16, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. The Rev. Sandy Gastian will officiate and full, military honors will be bestowed by the Fort Custer Honor Guard. There will be no visitation. Memorial contributions in Charlie's honor may be made to the Good Shepherd Hospice, Development Department, 105 Arneson Avenue, Auburndale, FL, 33823, or to the American Lung Association, 61 Broadway Avenue, New York, NY, 10006. The Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Battle Creek is in charge of all the arrangements. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com