Charles B. Cushway's Obituary
Big Rapids, MI - Charles Bliss Cushway, age 87, peacefully crossed over the river to Eternal Life on Wednesday, June 1st, 2016 at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 13, 1928, on a farm in Allegan County, to Wilbur and Mary Cushway. The family made several moves during the Great Depression, eventually settling on a farm near Coopersville, Michigan. Chuck graduated from Coopersville High School in 1947 and joined the United States Air Force. After training as an Intelligence Specialist, he was stationed at Brooks Air Force Base and served in a CIA Unit during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge in 1951, Chuck earned a B.A. in education from Western Michigan University, and eventually a Master's in Industrial Education from Central Michigan University. After starting his HVAC career at Gibson Refrigerator Company, Chuck met Colleen Ann Boss, the love of his life, and they were married on August 3rd, 1957 in Belding, Michigan. In 1967, a faculty HVAC position at Ferris brought Chuck, Colleen and their five children to Big Rapids. This community, Ferris, and the local Community of Christ Congregation provided an ideal environment for raising a family and enjoying the happiest years of their lives. During this time, Chuck served as an Ordained Priest and Elder in his church, a Webelos Troop Leader, and as a member of the Curriculum Advisory Committee for Big Rapids Pubic Schools. Chuck retired as an Associate Professor from Ferris in 1987, to share more time with his wife and family. He enjoyed church activities, camping, swimming, fishing, mushroom hunting, sightseeing, gardening, artifact hunting with a metal detector, and the restoration of a 1929 Pontiac sedan. Chuck had a love of nature and a special fondness for planting trees, enjoying wildlife, and sharing companionship with many wonderful dogs, cats, and an Amazon Parrot. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Colleen; his five children, Kelly (Karen) Cushway of Big Rapids, Mike Cushway of Trout Creek, MI, Karrie DeYoung of Big Rapids, David (Penny) Cushway of Big Rapids, and Kevin (Tracy) Cushway of Big Rapids; eight wonderful grandchildren; Matthew (Shaleena), Jared (Maralee), Amos, Luke, Karly, Kelsey, Kiara, and Kamryn; and two great-grandchildren, Bryce and Adrina. He is also survived by one sister-in-law, Carolyn Cushway (Bill) of Coopersville, MI; one brother-in-law, James (Joyce) Boss, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Chuck is preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, John; brothers, Mike, Bill (Carolyn); sisters, Virginia (Bob) Palma, and Elsie (Bob) Langlois. A memorial service will be announced for this Fall, Chuck's favorite season. Memorial contributions may be made to the Big Rapids Community of Christ Church c/o Dee Neal, 13450 Taft Rd., Big Rapids, MI 49307. .
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