Chuck "Bud" Powers

When reflecting on the life of Charles “Bud” Powers, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was well known for his solid work ethic and his infallible moral compass. Nothing brought Bud greater joy than spending time with his loved ones. He was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and he was a shining example of kindness and selflessness. Dearly loved, Bud will be forever missed by those who knew him best.

The 1930s are remembered as a decade of great struggle for the United States. The Great Depression had a devastating grip on the nation for several years, and families all across the country pulled together to make ends meet. As the decade neared its close, tensions only rose as WWII loomed. It was during this tumultuous time that the Powers of Kalamazoo, Michigan, were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their fourth child. On April 19, 1937, their wait was over, and they welcomed their son, Charles Powers, into the world.

Growing up, Bud was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home on South Burdick Street in Kalamazoo alongside his five siblings, Shirley, Charlene, Robert, Margaret, and Sandy. The Powers children were all relatively close in age and they grew to be good friends. Bud’s father supported the family by working as a foreman while his mother dedicated herself to caring for her children, her home, and the various people the family took in over the years. From a young age, Bud enjoyed playing football and baseball. Bud was raised in the Catholic faith and attended Catholic school, St. Augustine High School. He graduated in 1955, ready to move on to bigger and better things.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Bud as he met the woman who would quickly become the love of his life. Her name was Kay Cronkhite, and the two were first introduced through Bud’s sister, Charlene. There was an instant spark between them, and their relationship quickly blossomed into something truly special. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Bud and Kay were married on November 15, 1958, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church. The newlyweds then settled down on the family farm they purchased from Kay’s parents in Bloomingdale. Bud’s marriage to Kay would go on to last an impressive 62 years.

All who knew Bud can surely attest that, of all the things he loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. Over the years, he and Kay were overjoyed to welcome five beloved children into their hearts and home. Bud thrived in his role as a father to Kathleen, Daniel, Carla, Teresa, and Richard, and he and Kay made a great parenting team. His children were the focus of his life, and he was always supportive of them and whatever they did. Later on, Bud watched his family grow to include many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. He adored his grandchildren and doted on them whenever he could. Bud always considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Bud was never afraid to work hard when it came to providing for himself and his loved ones. After high school, he had aspirations of becoming a dentist, as his childhood best friend’s dad had been a dentist, but he ended up beginning his career at the paper plant instead. Bud then began working for the city of Kalamazoo in water treatment while taking classes to better his education. Through hard work and determination, he became the first in his area to earn a Class A water license. Bud continued to build his career at the water treatment plant and slowly worked his way to the position of superintendent, earning respect along the way. He spent over 30 years at the water treatment plant before retiring at the age of 56.

Never one to sit still for long, Bud pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed many fishing trips with family to locations in Northern Michigan, Barton Lake, and Canada. Bud loved being outdoors. He enjoyed woodworking and riding on his tractor, mowing his lawn and yard projects. Bud liked to go rabbit hunting with his Beagles he raised. Sunday dinners and time with his family were very important to him. Bud enjoyed watching Blue Bloods, the Andy Griffith Show, and Lawrence Welk, who was Kay’s favorite. He and his brother, Bob, were especially close. Over the years, Bud and Kay were always willing to take in family members who needed a loving caretaker. He was known for his wisdom and sage advice.

As family and friends can certainly attest, Charles “Bud” Powers truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and he always had an encouraging word to say. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Bud was a friend to many and beloved by all. He was generous and understanding of all those around him. Though he will be deeply missed, Bud leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Chuck “Bud” Powers, died peacefully at his home on January 15, 2024. Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Kay Powers in 2021; daughter, Kathleen Powers; siblings: Shirley Slusser, Charlene Billard, and Robert Powers. Surviving are 4 children: Daniel (Debbie) Powers, Carla Powers, Teresa Tirro, and Richard John Powers; 8 grandchildren: Jennifer Beggel, Jessica (Scott) Wurschmidt, Daniel (Mandy) Powers, Michael (Hillary) Powers, Nick (Kathryn) Tirro, Katie Powers, Caitlin Powers, and Ben Powers; 9 great-grandchildren: Amelia, Henry, Olive, Emerson, Adelyn, Myles, Phillip, Calvin, and Ronan; 2 siblings: Margaret Gabrion and Sandy (John) Fleckenstein, and many nieces and nephews. Cremation will take place. A Celebration of Life will be held for Bud and Kay in the spring. Visit Bud’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Care Hospice.