Kenneth Alvin Bare

Kenneth Alvin Bare, 91, of Paw Paw, passed away Sunday May 31, 2020.

He was born March 4, 1929 in Manistique, Michigan, the son of the late Lee and Bergie (Winkler) Bare.

Ken served in the Air Force from 1950 to 1954 with time in Korea. On November 18, 1953, Ken was united in marriage to his loving wife of 66 years, Charlene.  Ken worked as a Journeyman Brick Mason until he entered the Michigan State Police in 1957, where he served for 30 years. As a State Trooper, Ken was a Distinguished Expert Pistol Shot and was on the earliest squad of the Underwater Recovery Dive Squad. Ken was a three time past president of the Paw Paw Lions Club where he was a cook for over 25 years. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, McGowen-Johnson Post 68, Paw Paw and the VFW. He served on the the Paw Paw Village Council. Ken was an avid outdoorsman. He especially enjoyed camping around the U.S., Skiing, fishing and hunting. Ken loved making maple syrup with friends at their cabin. He was one of the original ski instructors for over 20 years at Timber Ridge. Ken was a good man and will be missed by his family and many lifetime friends.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene (Winter) Bare, four sons, Lee (Cindy) Bare, Randall (Diane) Bare, Steve (Kris) Bare and Jim (Missy) Bare; daughter, Cindy (Marty) Galbraith; twelve Grandchildren, Ken (Alisha) Bare, Sue Bare, Josh (Karen) Bare, Erin (Christopher) Hug, Gabriella Bare, Tom Bare, Jess Bare, Heather (Nick) Turner, Kyle (Katie Jo) Galbraith, Sidney Bare, Carly Bare and Zach Bare; two step grandsons, Tom Thielen and Josh Thielen; along with 11 great-grandchildren.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his brother, Howard  Bare.

There will be a memorial mass held Friday, June 5, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Church, Paw Paw, with Fr. Joseph Xavier officiating. Those planning to attend mass will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or to a charity of your choice.