Charles "Chuck" Coverdale

Dr. Charles (Chuck) Coverdale passed away peacefully on October 26, 2022. He suffered an aneurysm rupture behind his left knee causing very limited circulation to his left leg, foot, and toes.

Chuck was born on a farm near Ossian, Indiana on August 4, 1935 to May Woods and Forrest Coverdale. He was the youngest of seven. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Helen. He has one surviving sister, LauraMae (UD) Ratliff. Preceding him in death are his siblings Lawrence Coverdale, Elizabeth Hirschy, Mary Alice, Robert Coverdale, and Russell Coverdale.

Chuck graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Organic Chemistry from U.C. Berkley. He was awarded a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Illinois. He completed a NIH Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Stanford University. Chuck served his country in the US Air Force from 1958-1960 as a munition’s officer. This included responsibility for atomic warheads. He was on duty when the U2 Plane of Francis Gary Powers was shot down by Russia. He had lots of stories to tell about his military service in England and Germany. Chuck was proud of his military service and a very patriotic person.

His five children are Marie Coverdale, Dr. Christine Coverdale (Chris Mirate), Matthew Coverdale, Andrew Coverdale (Jamie), and Heather Haley (Dr. Jeffrey Haley). His eight grandchildren are Christopher, Cole, Audra, Adam, Cutter, Adrien, Alyvia, and Peter. Chuck’s great grandson is Cole.

Chuck worked his entire career at the Upjohn Company beginning downtown doing heart research and later as a Production Manager in Fine Chemicals. He was proud of his record in going the extra mile to keep his chemical operators safe when they worked in cubicles and had difficult procedures to follow. The making of the raw material for Motrin was an important project he worked on.

He was asked to take a crew to accidents on I-94 involving chemicals prior to the organized response teams that handle these accidents. He received advanced training in fighting chemical fires at Texas A&M. He was the first manager to hire women chemical operators in Fine Chemicals.

Chuck developed a passion for fishing at a young age. He loved fishing for salmon and steel head on Lake Michigan for over 35 years. He was very proud to have caught the second largest salmon one year. He appeared on Michigan Outdoors TV show. He told his fish story and enjoyed showing his fish mount on the show.

He volunteered serving lunch at Ministry with Community and volunteered at a food pantry. He was active in the Portage Lions Club and Steel headers group. He enjoyed Chemistry Day activities with the local American Chemical Society. He enjoyed showing his enthusiasm with children and young people interested in science careers.

Chucks last seven years have been difficult. He was poisoned by Chromium and Cobalt from his metal-on-metal artificial hip. He had to use a walker to walk at all times. He often times advised people to get a second opinion in medical matters.

His second passion was being a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers football team. Chuck enjoyed managing a girls Little Caesar’s Soccer Travel Team and volunteering at a girls’ soccer tournament here in Kalamazoo County.

Cremation has taken place. The family wishes to thank Centrica Care Navigators for providing hospice care in a loving and very helpful manner. We wish to thank Dr. Karen Betten and her staff for their care, support, and wisdom. We wish to thank Dr. Elizabeth Horton and her staff for their care and support.

A memorial service to celebrate Chuck’s life will be held at Portage United Church of Christ on Sunday, November 6th at 3:00 PM. A visitation with family will take place at 2:00 PM before the service.

Masks are requested to protect immune suppressed guests wishing to attend Chuck’s service. Chuck was a strong advocate and supporter of mask wearing to protect others.

Please donate to Loaves and Fishes (Kalamazoo), Ministry with Community, and Portage United Church of Christ.