Charles Michael East Sr, December 05, 1945 — May 15, 2019

Charles Michael East, Sr. The family is heartbroken to share the passing of Charles “Mike” East, 73, of Lakeland, on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Mike was born on December 5, 1945 in Springfield, Ohio, the son of Charles W. and Rosemary East, whom both preceded him in death. Mike enlisted in Job Corp from 1966-1968, it was here that his love of the great outdoors began.

In his early years, he enjoyed camping and spending time around the campfire. After Job Corp he returned to Florida and worked in Port Everglades as a Public Safety Officer for 25 years. He established his own business offering lawn and handyman services in the Fort Lauderdale area where he raised a family with former spouse, Gladys Ann East.

In 2008, Mike moved to Georgia to help his daughter raise his grandson John, when his son-in-law, Shawn was deployed to Qatar. In May 2016 Mike joined his daughter and family when they relocated to Florida and became residents of Lakeland. Mike enjoyed spending time with his family.

He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and often boasted about them to anyone who would listen. He never met a stranger he didn’t like and would go out of his way to give a helping hand. He spent many happy hours caring for the family pets and his shadow, Pearle, was always by his side.

Mike’s legacy is survived by his daughter, Michelle (Shawn, husband) McCollough, son Charles (wife, Ellen) East, Jr. and daughter, Melissa East; five grandchildren Jasmine, John, Isabella, Christian and Nora; sibling, Charlotte Kennelly, and several nieces and nephews. Siblings, Howard East and Rosetta Halvorsen also preceded him in death. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service honoring Mike’s life on Saturday, May 25th at 3 pm at Gentry- Morrison Funeral Homes located at 1727 Bartow Road Lakeland FL 33801.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mike’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project. Reception to follow. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Charles Michael East, Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.

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