Charles Edward Blackhurst

Chuck was born to William (Stan) & Ruth (Grooms) Blackhurst in Burton. MI and graduated from Bentley high school in 1953. Following graduation he attended GM Tech and became an Electrician.

In 1954 he married Sandy Wells, his high school sweetheart. Their love and deep commitment to one another saw them celebrate 61 years of marriage this year.

Chuck had a long dedicated career with General Motors, working @ Buick and then later at Fisher Body- Grand Blanc, where he retired as a Facilities Engineer.

He enjoyed golfing, playing bocce ball, following Nascar and watching Detroit Tiger baseball with his daughter, during his summers in Michigan.

He was always on stand-by to help those in need. His volunteerism and lifetime of service to others took him down many paths and into membership in many organizations. He was a life member of the Masonic Order, 32 degree Consistory. He was a member of the Elf Khurafeh Shrine Temple, Saginaw, Michigan where he belonged to the Clown Unit and transformed himself into Zany the Clown for the pleasure of many kids. He worked tirelessly to raise money for the Crippled Children's hospitals through many fund raising events. After moving to Florida in 1995, he joined the Punta Gorda Elks 2606, where he devoted many hours working on projects, like the chicken dinners and fund raising golf outings. He was also an Associate member of the Araba Shrine Temple, Fort Myers and on the Board of Directors of the Port Charlotte Shrine Club, where he was the Chairman for their newspaper drive.

Family was a source of pride for him. His two children Dawn & Chuck were always content to be in his presence and learned so much from him through his caring, generous gregarious ways. Pop was always there, taking part in whatever was going on in their lives.

He adored his grandchildren, Tara, Conor, Tasha & Zachary. They were the recipients of many years of camping trips, where he would always be the Camp Director. Gramps & Grams took them on many fun outings and vacations. Some of the best times were just plain good, zany times with Gramps.

Left to cherish his memory; his loving wife Sandy; daughter Dawn (Steve) Johnson; grandchildren, Tara Johnson (fiancé Ryan), Conor Johnson (Jennifer), Tasha Blackhurst (partner, Alan) & Zachary Blackhurst; great grandchildren, Mia Masten & Adrielle Johnson; sister-n-law, Karen Blackhurst; many nieces, nephews, cousins and fabulous friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved son, Chuck and his dear brother and buddy, Jim.

Memorial services will be held to celebrate Chuck's life in both Florida and Michigan. A service at the Punta Gorda Elks is planned for Sunday, October 4th at 2:00 pm. A memorial to celebrate Chuck's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Columbiaville Community Center, Columbiaville, Michigan

Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com to share in Chuck’s Life Story.

Contributions to honor his life may be made to Elf Khurafeh Shrine, Saginaw, MI, the Punta Gorda Elks 2606 or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery, Cape Coral, FL.