Lawrence Lester Shugars

SHUGARS, Lawrence "Red" Lester
Portage, Michigan Mr. Lawrence "Red" Shugars, Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend passed peacefully to join his loving wife of 63 years and his Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at his home surrounded by the love of his family. Red was born January 6, 1925 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to the late Lester Lawrence Shugars and Evelyn Marguerite DeBack, . Mary Doane Shugars - stepmother. He had three brothers the late John Donna Shugars, Wayne Marge Shugars of Portage, Glen Janet Shugars of Kalamazoo and one sister Ruth Richard Olmstead of Kalamazoo. Red was a life long resident of the Kalamazoo area and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. He faithfully answered the call to duty during WWII. He served overseas with the Navy "Seabees". With the successful conclusion of WWII he was united in marriage to his loving wife the late Barbara Jean Smith Shugars on September 11, 1945. Later Red served his country with the Army during the Korean War. He is survived by four children and four grandchildren: Drs. Dan and Diane Shugars of Chapel Hill, NC, Dale Debbie Shugars, daughter Meaghan of Kalamazoo, David Tammy Shugars, son Charles "Chaz" of Galesburg, Darci Stevens, sons Daniel and Robert of Kalamazoo. Barbara and Red worked hand in hand through the early years of their marriage. Red was a mason/ brick layer and Barbara was the office manager. Later they both became real estate sales people with Perry Real Estate and then with Cain and Walton realtors. They also co-owned and managed two local convenience stores, and other business ventures. In business as well as in the home they were true partners in life. At various times in his life he was an active member of the Elks Lodge #50, the Lions Club and the Moose Lodge #88. In addition, he served on City of Portage Zoning Board of Appeals and the Board of Review for a number of years. Although Red enjoyed many different activities including hunting, golfing, bowling, boating and fishing, the most important parts of his life were his friends and family. He touched so many with a kind word, funny jokes and his warm smile, for he never met a stranger. His love of country and his selfless nature serves as a role model and inspiration for all of us. He will be deeply missed. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff and administration of Wyndham West of Heritage Community, for all of the love, kindness and exemplary care provided to Red and his family over the last two years. Also, Dad and his family were blessed with the professional, personal, and compassionate care provided by Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. The family will receive friends at the Langeland Family Funeral Home, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street on Tuesday, September 16 from 12-2 and 6-8 PM. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 AM Wednesday at the Westside Chapel with Rev. David Bruininks officiating. Following services light refreshments will be served. A private family interment with full military honors will be held in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and Kalamazoo-Portage Moose Lodge #88.