Mr. Charles E. Hook

Charles E. Hook, 92, went to be with The Lord on Monday morning, December 31, 2018. He was born in South Bend, Indiana on September 1, 1926, the son of Ruth and Cecil Hook. After finishing high school, Charles served in the US Army, stationed in the Philippines during WWII. While at training camp in Tennessee, Charles met a beautiful young lady (Elsye) and they moved to Battle Creek, Michigan to begin their great love story together. Early on, Charles worked as a fireman/engineer at the Grand Trunk Western Railroad. Later, Charles was dedicated to his meticulous work as an expert carton designer for Michigan Carton Company, and worked proudly into his 80's. Charles and Elsye were dedicated members and contributors to the Birchwood United Methodist Church in Battle Creek and were honored to be spiritual mentors for roughly 40 years. Charles very much enjoyed singing hymns during church services, with his rich vibrato. Charles and Elsye enjoyed traveling – to Tennessee, Florida, Missouri, and cruises. They enjoyed their adventures together over their 63 years of marriage (accompanied by their often playful bickering). During their marriage, he also built 2 houses from the ground up. Charles served as a Past-Master & Chaplain (for more than 22years) with Battle Creek Lodge #12 F&AM and Past-Commander of Battle Creek Commandery #33 Knights Templar. He also served in various positions with many other Masonic organizations in the Battle Creek area. Charles was a big fan of the Detroit Tigers. He loved watching, and never gave up on them no matter how far behind they were, because his devotion was occasionally rewarded by a Tigers comeback win. Charles was an avid coin collector, leaving behind roughly 50 tons of collectable coins. So much so, that his loved ones could not open his desk drawer due to the weight of the coins within. Blessed with a lively sense of humor, Chuck was often the life of the party. He was handsome and dapper, and anyone who knew him appreciated the fact that he never said a bad word about anyone. He is survived by his son, Dan (Cheryl) Hook of Portage; 2 grandchildren, Angela (Jesus Murillo) Hook of Wisconsin, and Tony (Emily) Hook of Tennessee; sister, Donna and brother, Robert; and many great-grandchildren. At the request of the family, they will receive friends 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Farley Estes Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek where funeral services to celebrate his life will be held at 12:00 noon, Wednesday. Entombment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.