Clare E. Highlen

Clare E. Highlen, aged 83, of Lake Odessa, was called Home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday afternoon, January 4, 2010. Clare was born in Frederick, MI on May 21, 1926 to John and Aurilla (King) Highlen. He was united in marriage to Betty Putnam on September 22, 1952. Clare had farmed for many years, and also worked as a machine operator in the tool and die industry. He had been a member of the Bible Missionary Church for 45 years, and served as the caretaker of the Bible Missionary Church Campground in Sunfield for over 40 years. At the time of his death, Clare was serving as the Sunday School Superintendant of his church. Clare is survived by Betty, his loving wife and best friend for 58 years; his sister, Hazel Highlen of Waterford, MI; children, Joyce Highlen, Wilma (Michael) Bailey, Dale (Phillis) Highlen, Eva (Nathan) Parker, Darwin (Nancy) Highlen, Delbert (Nedra) Highlen, and Marilyn Highlen; 16 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; 6 brothers; and granddaughters, Melody Deann Highlen and Yvonne Milissa Bailey. Visitation will be held from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Friday, January 8, 2010 at the Koops Funeral Chapel in Lake Odessa. The funeral and committal services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 9 at Faith Bible Church (7455 N. Woodland Road, Lake Odessa, MI 48849). Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Ionia. Visitation January 08, 2010 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Koops Funeral Chapel 935 Fourth Ave. Lake Odessa, MI (616) 374-8221 Funeral Service January 09, 2010 11:00 AM Faith Bible Church 7455 N. Woodland Road Lake Odessa, MI Interment Saturday January 09 2010 Sunset Memorial Gardens 2811 S. State Road Ionia, MI