Charles Duane "Buck" Alar

Charles Alar was born September 11, 1940, in Monroe, Michigan. He was one of three children born from the union of Joseph Alar and Mary (Domansky) Alar. Buck was a 1958 graduate of Monroe Catholic Central where he was a standout athlete and a two-way starter on the football field.
After graduating high school, Buck answered the call to serve his nation, proudly enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, with basic training at New River, NC, and San Diego, CA. After deployment, he served in Southeast Asia, including Laos, Udorn Thailand, and DaNang, Vietnam, as a helicopter pilot. Following his honorable service, Buck's educational pursuits led him to college, where he demonstrated extraordinary determination by attending classes full-time at Eastern Michigan University during the day while working the night shift at Fisher Body (General Motors).
Upon graduation, Buck's career at GM flourished as he served as Truck Center Manager in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1973, and moved to the GMC Truck offices in Pontiac in 1975. Later he served as National Dealer Development Manager and attained an executive staff position in the 1980s. He was able to retire at only 51 years old and finished his career as a consultant for GM at the Renaissance Building in Detroit. Yet, among his professional successes, one of Buck's proudest moments was winning the General Motors arm wrestling championship!
Buck was an avid outdoorsman, cherishing every moment spent hunting and fishing across Michigan with his son, Fr. Chris Alar, and on his property near Cody, Wyoming. His love for sports extended to his favorite teams, the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Lions, with a particular admiration for legends like Ted Lindsay and Bobby Lane.
Family was the cornerstone of Buck's life. He cherished his late wife Rosalie, lovingly calling her his "Honey Bun," and deeply missed her after her passing in December 2024. His uncle Frank, a World War II combat veteran, was his hero, inspiring Buck's life of service and valor.
Charles "Buck" Alar, 85, of Brooklyn, MI, passed away on Monday; December 1, 2025, at the Cambrian Assisted Living in Tecumseh. His passing was preceded by his parents and his beloved wife: Rosalie.
To cherish his memory, he leaves two children: Father Christopher Alar of Stockbridge, MA, and Pam Liedel, of Monroe; two grandchildren: Brian (Courtney) Liedel Jr. and Andrea Liedel; two great-granddaughters: Makinlee Liedel and Maebry Liedel; and two siblings: Susan Vandevelde of Monroe, and Karl Alar of Washington State.
Friends may gather from 4:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday; December 4, 2025, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state Friday; December 5, 2025, from 10:30am until 11:30am at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church; 502 West Front Street, Monroe, Michigan 48161. A Mass of the Resurrection will take place at 11:30am, also at St. Michael's. A procession to St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe will immediately follow for burial.
In lieu of flowers, please offer any donations to the Marian Fathers religious community in Stockbridge, MA, by visiting: "www.MemorialsOnEdenHill.org/in-memory-of" or call 413-298-1303.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.