Charles H. Ludlow

LUDLOW, Charles H, age 89,
of Kalamazoo Passed away Tuesday afternoon, May 8, 2012 surrounded by his family. Charles was born February 7, 1923 in Detroit, MI. He was the son of the late Charles M. and Alice Leatherbarrow Ludlow. He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II as an airplane mechanic. On November 25, 1948 he was united in marriage to his loving wife of 63 years, the former Marion Waters, who survives. Charles attended Western Michigan University and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity where he was given the nickname "The Pillar of Truth" which defined his character throughout his life. After graduation in 1950, Charles started working for The Upjohn Company. He was named Treasurer in 1963, and was made a member of the board of directors and appointed Vice President in 1965. Charles retired in 1984 after 34 years of service. He was active in civic affairs throughout Kalamazoo. Some of the leadership positions he held included vice-chairman and treasurer of the Kalamazoo Science Foundation, campaign chairman of the Community Chest, vice-president and director of the YMCA, member of the National Association of Accounting, past president of the Kalamazoo Accountants Association, trustee of the Christian Theological Seminary, treasurer and director of Senior Services, Inc., appointed member to the WMU Board of Trustees, serving a one year term as board vice chairman, chairman of the Presidential Search Committee at WMU, co-trustee of the WMU Foundation, trustee of the local Girl Scout Council, chairman of the Citizen's Probation Authority, and board director of the CWA Walker, Inc. and the Laboratory Research Enterprises Inc. While the above commitments demonstrated his sense of responsibility to the community, he also felt that same strong devotion to his family. One of his favorite places to relax was in Newaygo at the family's cottage. Although Charles and Marion traveled extensively, he always said that there was nothing as beautiful as Sylvan Lake. Surviving besides his wife Marion are his sisters, Phoebe Bill Freeman and Ida Lou Klatt; his 5 children, Charles Deborah Ludlow, Dr. Gregory Christine Ludlow, Cynthia John Brennan, Cathy Kevin Cooper, and Carol Ludlow Ronald Coleman; grandchildren, Kortnee Berkheiser, Chase Carman, Brinton Seashore-Ludlow, James Seashore-Ludlow, and Chas Ludlow; step-grandchildren, Kasey Cooper, Shelly Reeves, Michael Reeves, Amy Leasure; great-grandchildren, Hanna Miller and Breckyn Addis; and several nieces and nephews. At his request, cremation has taken place. Visitation for friends and family will be held Tuesday from 4-8 pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. A memorial service to celebrate Charles's life will be held at 11:00 am, May 16, at the First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South St. Memorial donations may be directed to the charity of your choice.