Carl Lewis Heavlin

Carl Lewis Heavlin, age 83, passed away Monday, October 19, 2015 peacefully at his home in West Branch. He was born January 26, 1932 in Wyandotte, MI to Lewis & Sophie (Lapinski) Heavlin. Carl was the middle of 3 children. Carl married the love of his life MaryAnn on July 5, 1952 in Trenton, MI and enjoyed 60 years of marriage before MaryAnn passed away in 2012. Carl was an avid hunter and fisherman, although in his later years stuck only to deer hunting with his sidekick and oldest granddaughter Kelsey. Over his 65+ years of deer hunting, Carl bagged close to 100 deer. He had gotten over 60 in the 27 years at his current home in Mills Township.

Carl served in the Army during the Korean War and received several medals and commendations. He was a Tank Sergeant when he was honorably discharged in April 1954. After his military service Carl worked at the Wayne County Department of Public Works until his retirement in 1982. After retirement, Carl moved to the Horseshoe Lake area with his wife MaryAnn and son Richard where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, yard work, cutting firewood, and spending time with his family. Carl and MaryAnn were inseparable once he retired and they spent the years just being together, whether taking a drive thru the country to look for deer, or working puzzles.

Family was the most important thing in Carl’s life, and he took on a whole new personality after his 2nd open heart surgery in 2011. He was continually laughing, joking and making faces with his granddaughters.

Carl is survived by his Son, Richard and Sue (Walters) Heavlin; granddaughters, Kelsey Amber Heavlin and Meghan Nicole Heavlin; very special longtime friends, Mark & Becky Demoran, George & Dorothy Morawski; one brother, John (Jack) Heavlin of the Detroit area and one sister, MaryLou Eagle of Carleton, MI. He is also survived by one Brother-in-law, Charles & Karen Newsome of Flat Rock as well as several cousins many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, MaryAnn Heavlin; parents Lewis & Sophie (Lapinski) Heavlin; and his grandson, Jacob Carl Heavlin.

Rich, Sue, Kelsey & Meghan would like to extend a special thank you to Becky for all of the meals delivered to dad, rides she would take him on, and for just being such a huge part of his and all of our lives.

Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow the service at Brookside Cemetery in West Branch. Pastor David Kurtz will officiate.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the family.