Obituary of Charles Fenton McCormick, III
Charles Fenton McCormick, III better known as “MACK” was born on August 12, 1944, in Washington, Pennsylvania. He was one of six children from the union of Charles Fenton McCormick, II and Anna Sylvia (Barrows) McCormick. In the early-1940’s, Mack’s father moved to Michigan in search of work within the auto industry. While waiting to start work, he took and passed the City of Monroe Civil Service Exam. As he became a police officer for the City of Monroe Police Department, his life and the trajectory of two generations of McCormick men were shaped forever. The rest of the McCormick family joined Charles in Michigan in 1947. Mack was confirmed and received his first communion at St. Joseph Church. He was educated in Monroe Public Schools graduating in 1962 from Monroe High School. He continued his education at Wayne State University obtaining his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Mack, being a hard worker, took a position with Renault at the Port of Monroe. Enjoying the finer things in life, he ordered himself a brand-new Pontiac GTO. Unfortunately, he did not get the opportunity to appreciate his new ride since the only lottery Mack ever won was that of being drafted into the United States Army on the day the car was delivered.
In July of 1965 he attended bootcamp at Fort Knox, Kentucky then shipped off to Fort Eustis, Virginia for airframe repair school. He was then deployed to Vietnam in 1966 where he served fifteen months in country. His honorable service led to Commendation Medal for W/ “V” Device, Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/ Device, Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, Aviation Badge, and Air Medal.
In 1968, Mack followed in his father’s footsteps and took a position with The City of Monroe Police Department as a Patrol Officer. Charles was married to the former, Linda Knab on September 27, 1969, at the old Zion Lutheran Church in Monroe. The couple was blessed with two children: Holly and Charles IV. He later was married to Joan Cloum.
Charles was dedicated to his craft and well respected by his peers and within the community. He soon was promoted to Sergeant and then Lieutenant and served as Acting Chief of Police for the city. He retired in 1999 after more than 30 years of service.
Mack was an active, Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138, where he enjoyed playing darts and pool. At the post he was the former Post Commander, former Vice Commander, former Senior and Junior Vice Commander, and was the Current Judge Advocate. He had previously served as a longtime member of the Monroe County 911 Board. He was a life member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He enjoyed going to the YMCA. He enjoyed watching sports. Mack was extremely proud of his family and was very pleased when his namesake Charles IV followed in his footsteps as a Monroe Police Officer before rising to the rank of Police Chief. Mack IV retired as the Chief of Police in December of 2021.
Charles Fenton McCormick, III, age 79 of Monroe passed away at 3:23pm on Monday; October 9, 2023, at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. He had been in declining health for some time. His passing was preceded by his parents; two brothers-in-law: William Valmont and Jerry Poore; his brother and sister-in-law: Gerald and Mary Knab; his grandson: Tyler McCormick; and nephew: Shawn Wurster.
To cherish his memory, he leaves two children: Holly McCormick (Dennis Fry) of Spring Hill, Florida and Charles (Jennifer) McCormick IV; his significant other: Lorey Roop, whom he had shared his life with the past six years; four sisters: Patricia Poore, Kathy Valmont, Kim (Tom) Scheich, and Dawn McCormick; a brother: Michael McCormick; his former spouse and close friend: Linda McCormick of Monroe; a grandson: Charles Fenton McCormick, V; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 6:00pm on Sunday; October 15, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. At Merkle’s on Monday; October 16, 2023, at 11:00am, members of Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138 ritual team will present military honors. A service celebrating his life will follow with Chaplain David Edwards of the City of Monroe Police Department will officiate. Cremation will then take place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.