Earl Joseph Filkins

Earl Joseph Filkins, age 83 of North Branch passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Lapeer County Medical Care Facility.  Earl was born on March 31, 1934 in Ironton, Ohio, the son of Joseph and Hattie (Burke) Filkins. Earl married Lucille Atkins on September 12, 1953.  She passed away on April 21, 2017. 

Earl retired from a heavy construction worker with over 60 years of service.  He operated bulldozers, draglines, and backhoes.  Earl enjoyed digging ponds for many families in the area.  Earl enjoyed playing cards, playing the guitar and spending time with his family and grandchildren. 

Earl is survived by sons; Leroy (Cheryl) of Davison, Kenneth (Marti) of Sault Sainte Marie, and Douglas (Mary Ann) of North Branch; and daughter, Michelle (Mark) Gavalya of Hudsonville; 15 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; siblings; Alberta O’Dell, Gerald Filkins, Ted  Filkins, Ruthie  Monroe, Brennan Filkins, Perry Filkins, Kathy (Alan) Anthony, Brenda (Robin) Kissler and Debra Eaton, many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lucille; son, Don, siblings; Billie, Lillie May Pursky, John, Phyllis Coon, and Wilma VanDuser.

Memorials may be made to the family to be used at their discretion. 

The family will be present for visitation on Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 12 to 3 PM with the Funeral Service to follow at 3:00 PM all at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home.  Earl will be laid to rest next to his wife, Lucille and son Don in Westlawn Cemetery, North Branch.  Pastor Andrew Filkins will officiate.

Arrangements by Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home

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