Burl Henry Converse

Burl Henry Converse Battle Creek Burl Henry Converse passed away at his beloved Fine Lake home on Wednesday, September 3, 2008, surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Burlington Township, MI on December 31, 1923, and raised in Athens, MI by his parents, Vern and Loie (Alwardt) Converse. He graduated from Athens High School. He was first married to Adeline Riley and had two children. In 1960 he married Virginia Cripps and four children. Following her death, and in 2007, he married Beverly Cooley and five children. Burl and Beverly attended Hickory Corners Bible Church. He loved his extended family; was the oldest active building contractor in Calhoun County at 84 years old; loved to play his harmonica, hunt, fish, dance, golf, tell stories and jokes. He held the Athens High School basketball scoring record for over 30 years, and was a star in football and track, and played fast pitch softball as an adult. He was past president of the Fine Lake Landowners Association and the contractor for the Association Building. He had many friends from Fine Lake; his many construction projects over nearly 50 years in the building trades, and people everywhere. He was always quick with the humor, and nearly always had a harmonica with him for an impromptu concert at Dunkin Donuts, the grocery store, always at "The Lake", and even while traveling in the car. Burl is survived by his wife, Beverly; His Children, Joe (Mary) Ball of Green Valley, Arizona, David Converse of Battle Creek, Tana (Jim) Bagley of Fine Lake, Terrie Daniel of Ludington, Jerry H. (Sally) Ball of Battle Creek, Gail (David) Rathbun/Hayes of Battle Creek; Her Children, Bill (Mary) Cooley of Litchfield, Randy Cooley of Battle Creek, Tim (Jessie) Cooley of Battle Creek, Tracy (Dawn) Cooley of Athens, Tammy Scare of Sherwood; 40 Grandchildren and 40 Great-Grandchildren; Sisters, Vivian (George) Irons of Athens, Arla (Bob) Clemence of Athens; many, many Friends! and very special friend, Ivan Ruger. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers Aurice Converse and Milford Converse, and sisters Thelma Savage and Martha Roberts. A special funeral service will be held on Monday, September 8, 2008, 11:00 a.m. at the Hickory Corners Bible Church, 13720 Kellogg School Road, Hickory Corners, MI (4 miles west of Fine Lake/Turn Right at stop sign/1 mile on left). Services will be officiated by Pastor Jeff Worden. Memorials may be directed to Lifespan Hospice of Battle Creek. Arrangements by Bachman Hebble Funeral Service (269)965-5145.