Charles R. Wetherby, age 82, of Jerome, MI. passed away Saturday, April 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 1, 1942, in Jackson, Michigan to the late Lee and Helen L. (Johnson) Wetherby. Charles graduated from Cement City High School, then joined the workforce until 1967 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He served as a tank operator in the Eleventh Armored Calvary Regiment as an honorary Blackhorse Trooper. On March 6, 1971, in Clark Lake, Michigan he married the love of his life Connie J. Williams.
Charlie worked for Kelsey Hayes Industries, where he retired. He kept his mind engaged by playing solitaire on the computer and reading several newspapers a day “the paper kind”. The Michigan State Spartans football and basketball teams were his favorite to cheer for. However, nothing compared to his family; he was their biggest fan and loved them dearly. He enjoyed entertaining them with interesting stories of his childhood and his witty sense of humor.
In addition to his wife Connie of 54 years he is survived by two sons; Jeffery (Erin) Wetherby and Michael (Stefanie) Wetherby, six grandchildren; Brody, Hailey, Kaelyn, Allyson, and Emmalyse Wetherby and Brady (Mary) Wooster, two great-grandchildren; Olivia and John Wooster, one brother; Bob Wetherby, one sister; Peggy Gruel. Charles is preceded in death by his parents, son Gary, and grandsons Gary Jr. and Tyler Wilson.
A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Cement City Baptist Church, with Pastor Drew Woods officiating. A private burial will take place in the Somerset Cemetery at a later time. Memorial donations can be shared with St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Hillsdale Co. Veterans Association.
Condolences and words of comfort can be left at: www.brownvanhemert.com.