Charles L. Green

Charles L. Green, age 87, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Thursday, September 11, 2025. He was born October 29, 1937, in Detroit the only son of Fordyce and Edna (Schwan) Green. Charley spent his growing up years on North Cochran Avenue, where his family operated Green’s Grocery Store. It was here that Charley learned from watching his parents, how to serve his community with genuine compassion and humility. He went on to graduate from Charlotte High School with the class of 1955. Charley then attended Olivet College and later graduated from Wayne State University in 1962, with a degree in Mortuary Science. While in school he worked at the Burkhead Furniture Store in Olivet and Burkhead-Cheney Funeral Home in Charlotte. MD Burkhead and Gordon Cheney were instrumental in taking Charley under their wings and setting him on a path to a successful career. After graduating from mortuary school, Charley returned to his home town and began a legacy of service to his friends and community. On July 14, 1963, he married LeAnn Ruth Heisler at the First Congregational Church. He and LeAnn purchased the Burkhead Funeral Home in November of 1980. Charley will be remembered as a true gentleman. He was a man of great integrity and empathy.

Charley is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, LeAnn; sons, Jeffrey (Lisa) of Charlotte, Michael (Lori) of Laingsburg; sister, Susie Carpenter of Whitehall; step-grandsons, Cory Leffingwell, Jason Leffingwell; honorary daughter, Angela (Brian) Overholt of Mulliken; honorary grandsons, Denys and Nazar Overholt; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marguerite (Doug) Burkhead; and brother-in-law, Lee Carpenter.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 11 A.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Sean Esterline officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. and 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.

Those desiring may make a contribution in Charley’s honor to Eaton Community Palliative Care 2675 S. Cochran Road, Charlotte, MI 48813 or First Lutheran Church 550 W. Shepherd Street, Charlotte, MI 48813.