Charles Roy Hilbert (89) of Pentwater and Grand Rapids, MI went to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 2, 2013. He was born October 13, 1923 in Bingham, MI to James and Edith Hilbert (Draper).

Charlie graduated from Traverse City High School June 12, 1941. He was drafted on March 5, 1943 and assigned to the Cannon Company of the 106th Infantry, 27th Division US Army. He fought in Manchuria, Death Valley in Saipan, and Okinawa where he was seriously wounded during World War II. Charlie was crossing a battle zone when he was hit in the right shoulder with a bullet. The doctor operated aboard a ship as it was being bombed. He was honorably discharged September, 1945 with a Purple Heart.

In 1946 he was chosen to attend an MSU short course in management. This led to his job as manager of the Farm Bureau in Hart.

On September 1, 1947 he married Shirlee Mae Schlee of Hart, MI at Smith Corners Methodist Church. They shared many happy years together building a family and raising four children: Gary, Vicki, Sandra, and Cindy. After 40 years of marriage, Shirlee passed away in August of 1988.

Charlie was the manager of the Hart Farm Bureau for 35 years. In 1981 Charlie with 9 other men started Buildings Plus Inc. As major shareholder and president, Charlie watched Buildings Plus grow to an established company. He retired in 1988 and started Hilbert Upright Fence Company in 1991, which remains active today.

On May 18, 1991 Charlie married Betty Fae Childs from Grand Rapids, MI. Betty had three children: Cynthia, James and Catherine. Together, Betty and Charlie traveled around the world including short term missions to the Philippines. After a trip to the islands where Charlie fought during WWII, he authored and published a book entitled, "Charlie's War",copyrighted January 14, 1998.

Charlie and Betty enjoyed trips with their grandchildren to destinations such as Spain, Alaska, Great Britain, San Diego, Yellowstone, and a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas.

Charlie was an excellent gardener who loved to give fresh produce and floral bouquets to friends, family and the church.

He was a great outdoorsman who enjoyed both hunting and fishing.

He served as president of the Oceana International Gideon Camp and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pentwater. Charlie's favorite Bible verse was: Delight thyself in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thy heart. Psalm 37:4 KJV

Charlie was an active member of his community. He served on the Fire Command Board, Sheriff's Commission, and the Smith Corners Local School Board for 25 years. He was a Friend of the Dairy Association, member of the ALS Board, member of the United Fund, Cancer Drive, and Hart Historical Society. Charlie served on the Mental Health Board for 15 years and was a life member of the Pentwater VFW. In addition he supported the Grand Rapids Opera, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and the GVSU Grand Forum.

Mr. Hilbert is survived by his wife, Betty Fae Hilbert; children, Gary Lee & Vicki Mardell Hilbert, Sandra Sue Hilbert & Larry John Comstock, Cindy Lynn & William Raymond Syrek, Cynthia Louise & Larry Eugene Howard, James Thomas & Jill Ann Childs, Catherine Suzanne & Craig Patrick Denton; Grandchildren, Diane Marie & Farid Haddar, Tammy Lynn & Brian Farabee, Mark Andrew Hilbert, Luke Douglas Matthews & Michelle Kaminski, Jacob Andrew Matthews, Benjamin Porter Matthews, Justin Gabriel Jones, Bobby Jo & Robert Joseph Pavlat, Timothy Charles Syrek, Sara Mae Syrek, Leith Johnathan & Stefanie Elaine Myers, Katie Louise Childs, Alicia Ann & Chad Michael Lutz, Joseph Matthew Tatsch, Elizabeth Anne Tatsch, Danielle Marie Tatsch, David Andrew Tatsch, Michael Denton, & Rachael Fae Denton; Great Grandchildren, Mariem Mazouza Haddar, Amber Dee Haddar, Zoe Maxine Farabee, Eric Glenn Farabee, Catelynn Bonnie Farabee, Camryn Joy Matthews, Giovanni Cobos, Julianni Pavlat, Kendell Elaine Myers, Cassie Mardell Myers, Aidan Elliott Myers, Emma Rose Myers, Alyssa Grace Myers, James Randall Lutz, Cole Ralph Lutz; and Great Great Granddaughter Aaleyah Marie-Elizabeth Ray: siblings, Fay Hawkins, Beth Fordyce, Lee Hilbert, & Enid Laidlaw. He was preceded by death by his first wife, Shirlee Schlee Hilbert; siblings, Arnold (Bud), Horace (Jim), & Edith Foerch; son-in-law, Fred Louis Caithamer Jr.; and his daughter, Vicki Lou Hilbert.

The Funeral Service for Mr. Hilbert will be held Saturday, April 6, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at Pentwater High School with Pastor Mark Lillie of the First Baptist Church of Pentwater officiating. Lunch will be served at the High School directly following the memorial service and a graveside service will be held at South Weare Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Pentwater Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First Baptist Church of Pentwater Building or Missions Funds, PO Box 429, Pentwater, MI 49449, or to the Gideons International, PO Box 230, Hart, Michigan 49420.

Charlie was an inspiration to all who knew him and will be greatly missed but not forgotten by his community and his family.