Charles Donald "Chuck" Hackney

Charles "Chuck" Donald Hackney East Lansing Charles Hackney, a devoted husband, father, and longtime civil servant to the State of Michigan, died Monday, August 3rd, of complications relating to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. He was 67. He is survived by his wife, Frances; his children, Steve, Tim, and Susan; daughters-in-law, Allison and Kendra; grandchildren, Anneke, Teagan, and Avra. Born in Detroit to Mildred and Donald Hackney, Chuck moved to East Lansing after his graduation from the University of Michigan Law School in 1967. He was a committed public servant who served the State of Michigan as an assistant Attorney General for over 40 years. During his legal career, Chuck rose to become the division chief of a number of different sections in the Attorney General's office, including the Elections, Agricultural, Lottery and Criminal Appellate divisions. He is believed to be one of the only assistant Attorneys General to hold the position of division head for five different divisions. He concluded his career as one of the principal attorneys responsible for ensuring the State of Michigan's continued collection of tobacco settlement funds, which are critical to the State's budget. In 2007, Chuck was honored by the local bar association with its annual civility award, recognizing a career of professionalism and courtesy. In addition to his public service, Chuck served as an elder and deacon in River Terrace Church, President of the East Lansing School Board, and as a head or assistant coach to numerous youth sports teams. Chuck was also a regular blood donor, worked on Habitat for Humanity houses, and delivered Meals on Wheels to shut-ins. He was an ardent bridge player and a steadfast fan of the University of Michigan's football team. In 2006, Chuck was diagnosed with ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. In 2007, he made the difficult decision to accept the use of a ventilator in order to breathe. Throughout his illness, Chuck received the love and support of family, friends, and the larger East Lansing community. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 7, 11:00 a.m. at River Terrace Church, 1509 River Terrace Drive, East Lansing with Rev. Dr. Clayton Libolt, officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday at the Church from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.. Memorial bequests may be made in Chuck's name to the ALS Therapy Development Institute at www.als.net or the River Terrace Church. The family is being served by the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing.