Charles Nevins

Art was born on January 1, 1930 to Archie P. and Olive (Cathcart) Nevins, their youngest child and only son. He was a life-long resident of Kalamazoo. He attended local schools, graduating in 1948 from Central High School. Art was accepted to and attended Harvard University, graduating in 1952. At both Central High School and Harvard, he participated in the marching bands, enjoying the "free" games and bus rides.

After graduation from Harvard, Art enlisted as an officer in the Air Force, working in cryptology in what is now the National Security Administration (NSA). After his service was up, Art returned to Kalamazoo, taking a job with National Waterlift Company as an engineer, working there until his retirement.

Art had many interests outside of his work. An avid bridge player, he was a Life Master and enjoyed playing right up to his death. He also enjoyed traveling, keeping detailed logs of his trips. He spent time driving the Al-Can Highway, with stories of the sights he saw and things he encountered. He was a member of the Extra Miler Club, whose members have the goal of visiting every county in the United States. He was an avid collector of license plates, especially plates with his initials on them. He later enjoyed collecting antique road maps.

In 1971, he played bridge one day with Jeanine Dow as his partner. Jeanine left the area soon after, returning 25 years later. They reconnected at the bridge club, where Art showed her the card they had played together back in 1971. They spent the next 30 years playing bridge, traveling and enjoying life together.

Art was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Mary Ellen Strohaker and Nancy Jordan. In addition to Jeanine, he leaves his nieces, Diane Rafferty, Sarah Gordon, Rebecca Jordan, Laura Babbitt and Cindy Jordan, and nephew, Thomas Strohaker to mourn his passing.