Charles Mack "Chuck" Laney, age 85, died Sat, Feb 3, 2018 at Caretel Inns in Linden. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Wed, Feb 7, 2018 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Anthony Strouse celebrant. Burial will be in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Chuck will lie in state at the Sharp Funeral Home, Linden Chapel, where friends may call Tue from 11AM - 3PM and 5PM - 8PM, where a vigil service will be held at 7PM at the funeral home, followed by a Knights of Columbus service; and he will lie in state at church Wed from 10AM until the time of Mass. Chuck was born in his family farmhouse in Greene County, Missouri, Oct 5, 1932 and graduated from Flint Central High School in 1950. Chuck was drafted into the Army in 1952 during the Korean War. Chuck met Dolores (Dear) Laney, the love of his life, while working at his family's Dairy Queen Restaurant in Flint. They were united in marriage on Feb 21, 1953 and lived an example of love and devotion for their 4 children until Dolores' passing in 2012. Chuck graduated from DeVry University in Chicago. He worked in Sales and Repair at TV Engineers and then became a Police Office for the Flint Township Police Department where he retired as a Lieutenant in 1996. Chuck was a caring police officer who mentored many young people and touched countless lives in the Flint Township community. Chuck was a devoted member of St. Pius X Catholic Church where he was an usher for many years. He was a very active member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 8245 serving in many roles including Grand Knight. Chuck strongly believed in the mission of the Knights and was recognized by the Supreme Council with the highest distinction award for recruiting new members. This was one of his proudest accomplishments with the Knights. Chuck enjoyed many activities including bowling, hunting, golfing, traveling and was a dedicated annual Flint Crim Race volunteer for many years at his favorite spot at Court and Bradley Hills. Chuck also earned his pilot's license and was a member of the Flint Police Flying Club. The great joys of Chuck's life were his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a wonderful, special, good natured man and was loved by many. Chuck had the most beautiful, twinkling blue eyes that lit up the room! He had a fantastic sense of humor and always had a joke or a funny story to share. Chuck's faith was strong and he was a true example of how one should live their life. He was the best father and grandfather and had a special connection with each of his 8 grandchildren. He cherished the time spent with his 9 great grandchildren and was excited about the new baby on the way. Chuck's great capacity for love included his son in-law and daughter's in-law who were loved and accepted as his own children. Chuck greatly believed in his family and his unconditional support could always be depended upon. Our family has been abundantly blessed with his presence in our lives. The legacy Chuck and Dolores built is one of unconditional and abiding love. Chuck will be deeply missed, but we rejoice in knowing that he will share a glorious and everlasting life with Christ. We are greatly comforted that Chuck is reunited with Dolores and that they will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary together in heaven later this month. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Connie and Tom Goggins, Johnny and Ronda Laney, Donald and Victoria Laney; Grandchildren, Rob and Heather Polovina, Barry Cummings, Brent Goggins, Courtney and Scott Hubbs, Adrienne and Patrick Kane, KayLeigh Allen, Brianna and Eric Meldrum and Brendan Laney; Great grandchildren, Jackson and Annabelle Polovina, Maren Goggins, Mason and Quinn Hubbs, Wyatt, Henry and Maxwell Kane and Mila Meldrum. Chuck was preceded in death by his wife Dolores (Dear) Laney, daughter Bonnie Allen, parents, Ora C. and Dorothy (McConnell) Laney, brother, Joe Dean Laney, and granddaughter in law, Jessica (Wiget) Goggins, and many other special family and friends. The Laney family would like to extend a very special thank you to all the people who loved and cared for Chuck at Caretel Inns. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either St. Pius X Catholic Church or Powers Catholic High School. May the Lord bless him throughout eternity.
- Published in Flint Journal on Feb. 6, 2018