Charles Blackwell Hammond

Charles B. Hammond, 94 of Kalamazoo passed away Monday, September 28, 2020. Born on January 13, 1926 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Walter (Muriel) Hammond. United in marriage on June 18, 1949 to Lucile Kennedy.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lucile, daughters; Cathy (Duane) Antcliff, Patricia (Steve) Woollam and grandchildren Carrie (Adam) Strong; Scott (Laura) Antcliff; Jeff (Lindsay) Woollam; Lisa (Karl) Ruiter; Alyssa Hammond and great grandchildren Coleton Strong; Gabrielle Strong; Michael Woollam; MacKenzie Woollam; Roselie Ruiter and Emma Antcliff.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Muriel and son Scott Hammond.

Charlie attended the University of Michigan and graduated in 1950 with a Degree in Psychology and an MBA. He then married Lucile Anne Kennedy and moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan for a short time until moving to Vicksburg, Michigan to work for St. Regis Panelyte. Charlie worked for Sutherland Paper Company where he stayed until May of 1967 when he became the Personnel Manager (Employee Relations Director) for the Portage Public Schools where he remained until retiring in February 1986.

He spent his life giving to others through various community service activities. He was active with the Girl Scouts for 20 years serving on the personnel committee and the board. Charlie also worked with Youth Opportunities Unlimited on the Board of Directors for 5 years. He was a member and Chairman of the advisory committee prior to Portage becoming a City for the Portage Township Fire Department. Charles was a Board of Education Trustee for 4 years, prior to working for the Public Schools. Charles spent 12 years volunteering with the American Red Cross as a Local Disaster Volunteer and worked on 9 National Disasters. He was also a Director for the Michigan Public School Negotiators Association. Charles faith was a big part of his life, he was a Charter Member of Pine Island Presbyterian Church. In January 2011 Charlie became an Elder of Pine Island Presbyterian Church. He will be deeply missed.

Donations may be given to the local Chapter of the American Red Cross or to the Glowing Embers Chapter of the Girl Scouts.

Memorial Visitation with a 10-person at a time limit in the building will be held from 12 to 3 p.m.. on Sunday, October 4, 2020, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St. Kalamazoo, MI 49009. The funeral home and family respectfully ask that everyone wear a mask and social distance. The family will greet guests outside and encourage people to pay their respects inside and then kindly step back outside so others may enter. Memorial Visitation will continue Monday, October 5, 2020 from 10 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 11 a.m., at Pine Island Gardens, 8882 West Q Ave, Mattawan, MI 49071, the family asks that guests bring a chair, wear a mask to observe social distancing. To view Charlie's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com