Tony Dale Southward

Tony Dale Southward, age 67, of Charlotte, passed away Saturday, January 15, 2022, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born March 2, 1954, in Charlotte, the son of Dale and Gloria (Eishen) Southward. Tony grew up on the family farm on Mahan Highway and then raised his family just across the section on Cochran Road. He graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of 1972. Tony then went on to earn his Associates Degree in Heavy Machinery Maintenance from Ferris State University. On November 8, 1974, he married the love of his life Karen Marie Starr at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte. Tony was a very hard worker and spent the majority of his life working as a mechanic. He retired from General Motors after over 30 faithful years of service. Tony had a wealth of knowledge and enjoyed sharing it with anyone who was interested in learning. He cherished the time he spent pulling tractors with his grandson, fishing on the lake with the grandkids, woodworking, and running his excavator and dozer. Tony’s community was very important to him and he would do absolutely anything to help a neighbor. He would give anyone the shirt off his back if they needed it. Tony is survived by his wife of 47 years, Karen; daughters: Stacy (Tobias Jones) Dixon of Dubois, Pennsylvania, Carol (Ben) Nelson of Olivet, Sarah (John) Jago of Lexington, MI; grandchildren: Emily (Brandon) Clark, Andrew Nelson, Jodi Jones, Alexis Dixon, Kelsey Dixon, Reece Riley; sisters: Pamela (Gordon) Harder of Eaton Rapids, Nanette (Mike) Visger of Vermontville; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. In keeping with Tony’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held in the spring. Those desiring, may make contributions in Tony’s memory to the American Diabetes Association.