Charles B Carey

Dr. Charles B. Carey won his battle with ALS to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 3rd at the age of 86.  He taught lessons in life and mathematics first in the Alton, Illinois school system, then served as Professor of Mathematics at Spring Arbor University for 49 years (as he would say, because 49 is a perfect square number). His leadership, wisdom, dedication to living the concept of learning pursuits of the liberal arts, commitment to Jesus Christ, and active participation in the contemporary world were sought in many roles over the years. For almost 19 years he led students at Spring Arbor in cross-cultural studies of the Southwest. In addition, he served as the Chairman of the Natural Science Division and led Presidential search committees, church board appointments, and others. Honored with the Leroy M. Lowell Award, he was recognized for his consistency and outstanding contribution to the educational ministry of Spring Arbor University. He started both tennis programs at Spring Arbor University and Alton and influenced the lives of his players as “Coach” to this day.  He graduated from Greenville University in Illinois in 1960, did graduate work at the University of Illinois, Central Michigan University (as a National Science Foundation Fellow), Michigan State, and completed his work at the University of Michigan.  Preceded in death by his parents Claire Carey and Dorothy Allison Carey, brother Ralph, and sister Phyllis, he is survived by his loving wife Janet of 64 years, his son Matt (Michele) Carey of Cincinnati, Ohio, his daughter Amy (Malcolm) Hall of Grand Rapids, Michigan, his 5 grandchildren (John, Thomas, Charlie, Matthew, and Claire) and one great-grandson (Pearson).

Visitation with the family will take place at the Ralph Carey Forum within the Student Center of Spring Arbor University on Monday, November 11 from 4 pm to 6 pm.

A memorial service will be held in the Sanctuary at First United Methodist Church of Jackson (275 West Michigan Avenue) on Tuesday, November 12 at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a memorial fund at Spring Arbor University to benefit students of Natural Science.  Donations can be made online at arbor.edu/give (Charlie Carey Memorial Fund). 

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