Earnest Carver

Carver, Earnest "Gene" Passed away on January 19, 2015 in Kalamazoo. Gene was born May 22, 1930 in West Plains, MO, the son of the late Earnest G. and Audie M. (Lovins) Carver and lived in the Kalamazoo area for many years. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and was employed by the Dura-Metallic Co. as a machinist for 31 years. Gene was a member and Commander of the American Legion, Post 36; the VFW Post 422; the Amvets Post 74; the Masons-Cooper Lodge 149; the 40&8; Past Chef De Gard; a 32nd Degree Mason; Past Master of the Valley of Grand Rapids; a member of the Saladin Shrine Temple; the Kalamazoo Shriners; was a Shrine Clown for over 28 years and was a member of the Masonic Retirees Club. On December 24, 1955, he married Phyllis E. Gettys, who preceded him in death on May 12, 2010. He was also preceded in death by two grandsons, Brian Ringler and Keith Carver. Gene is survived by his children, Sherry (William) Berghuis of Portage, Candy (Terry) Ringler of Burr Oak, Becky (Tom) Fenwick of Portage and Lonnie Carver of AL; many grand and great grand children; a sister, Pauline Pyle of Kalamazoo; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 26, 2015 at 11:00 AM in the Langeland Family Funeral Homes. Portage Chapel, 411 East Centre St., with Rev. Andrew Tengwall, officiating. Burial will follow in Grand Prairie Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, January 25, 2015 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The Schoolcraft Masonic Lodge, #118, will provide Masonic Honors at 4:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL, 60707 or the Lutheran Church of the Savior. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign Earnest's online register book and to leave messages for his family.