Charles Duane Sherburn, 90, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully at his home, Nov. 10, 2023. Charles was born Sept. 29, 1933, in Decatur, Michigan, to William Sr., and Arieta (Jones) Sherburn.
Charles started his life in Decatur, however, the family moved to a few different places before settling in Mattawan. His family always called him Duane. His wife and their friends knew him as “Chuck”. Charles graduated from Mattawan High School and was the first in his family to graduate. Later in life, he went to college on the GI Bill. He earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree.
Duane started his working journey doing odd jobs around Mattawan. He then began working construction with his father and brothers. He decided that he disliked construction work and went on to work for Eaton Corporation, Lawton. When it closed, he went to work for Fuller MFG, Kalamazoo. The last few years before his retirement, he worked at Welch’s, Lawton.
During his high school years, he met the love of his life, Mary Pachner. In February of 1954, they were married at Saint Mary Church, Paw Paw. A year later, he was drafted. When Charles was discharged, family became his utmost responsibility. Charles joined the Knights of Columbus and became involved with many events at Saint Mary while his children attended school there. He made donuts on Sundays, helped with fish frys during Lent and cooked chicken during the summer BBQs.
Charles loved boating and taking his children skiing at Maple Lake and Lake Brownwood. He and Mary bought a lot in Mancelona, at Lakes of the North. This way, the kids could fish, ride bikes, golf, swim and even rent movies and play games in the clubhouse. Then, the grandchildren came along, and it became a huge camping experience for all. It was a great family vacation spot. Also, as a family, they spent a lot of time “going up north” to visit Mary’s family in the Bay City area.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife, Mary; and his brothers, William Jr., Gerald, Richard, and Dale Sr. (who passed away 14 years earlier on the same date). Also preceding him were a niece, a nephew, a sister-in-law, six brothers-in-law, a son-in-law and a great-grandson, Kyle Miller.
Surviving Charles are his children, Sandra (Tracy) Jack of Paw Paw, Tamela Rayborn of Houston TX, Michael Sherburn of Lawton and Mark (Donna) Sherburn also of Lawton; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Also surviving are one brother, Gary (Diana) Sherburn of Schoolcraft; sisters, Donna Huddleston of Three Rivers, Joyce Dickerson of Battle Creek, Sheron Saida of Mattawan, Connie (Ron) Osborne of Mattawan, Judy Skidmore of Columbia SC, Pam (Roger) Beadle of Mattawan and Pat (Dave) Berner of Paw Paw; his nephew and birthday buddy, Kevin Sherburn, along with countless other nieces and nephews.
Charles was loved by his family and many friends. Cremation has taken place. Per Charles’ wishes, there will be no public services held at this time. The family is planning a memorial service for July of 2024. The details will be released later and time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Saint Mary Catholic Church or Centrica Care Navigators.
As a family, we would like to thank the Centrica team for the care of our father. We didn’t have their care for long, but they were on top of everything and provided wonderful care to Charles.
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