Charles Lee McGeath

February 2, 1935 ~ March 19, 2025

Charles Lee McGeath, age 90, passed away Wednesday morning, March 19, 2025. He was born February 2, 1935, in South Bend, a son of the late Lawrence & Nellie (Harris) McGeath and has remained a lifelong resident of this community.

Chuck was a 1953 graduate of James Whitcomb , where he played basketball and ran cross country. On June 5, 1955, at Calvary Baptist Church, South Bend, he was united in marriage to Marlene Kirkley who has remained the love of his life for nearly 70 years. Along with his wife Marlene, he is survived by his daughter Terri Lee McGeath of South Bend, and his two sons, Michael (Jennifer) McGeath of Paw Paw, MI; and Tracy (Michaele) McGeath of Roanoke, VA. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Kelly (James) Hayes, Kevin (Brandi) McGeath, Madeline McGeath, Katie (Lane) Trear, Matthew (Robin) McGeath, and Miriam (Matthew) Wagner, along with fifteen great-grandchildren, Jenna, Olivia, Zachary, Dylan, Lincoln Charles, Cheyenne, Emery, Ryker, Lainey, Silus, Greyson, Kinsley, Annalise, Bria, and Millie. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Price.

Chuck was a charter member of Community Baptist Church in 1947 and has remained a faithful member. He retired in 1994 from Indiana Bell/Ameritech Telephone Co. after 41 years of faithful service. Always a good athlete, Chuck played basketball and softball and enjoyed playing ball with his sons and grandsons. Following retirement, he enjoyed playing volleyball at the Battell Center. Chuck and Marlene loved following the Cubs, Bears, Colts and Irish together. Tuesdays were always date days for them. They would take long enjoyable drives to their favorite spots, enjoy lunch out and often end with an ice cream cone. He enjoyed working in the yard and caring for their bird feeders. Most of all, he just loved being with all his family.

Central to Chuck’s life was his relationship with Jesus Christ.  It shaped who he was and how he lived his life, how he was as a husband, father and friend.  He wanted nothing more than to know that his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were following the Lord.  He was a servant of the King, and it showed in every part of his life, especially in how he served his beloved wife Marlene.

Services will be at 2:00 pm. Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 So. Michigan Street, South Bend. Rev. Joe Fant will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00p.m. - 2:00p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Mr. McGeath may be offered to Southwestern Michigan Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 4200 West Michigan Ave., Suite 205, Kalamazoo, MI 49006.

3/23/2025 djb

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Charles-McGeathnjm