John Robert Checkley

John Robert Checkley, 64, of Dowagiac, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2020, at Spectrum Health- Lakeland. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, June, 11, 2020, 11AM, at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac with Pastor Scott Saylor officiating. Burial will follow at South Wayne Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, from 5PM until 7PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Dowagiac Youth Football, 55860 California Rd., Dowagiac, MI 49047. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.clarkch.com. John was born on November 13, 1955, to Robert & Bernice (Gordon) Checkley in South Bend, IN. He attended Dowagiac High School. On September 7, 1973. John married the love of his life, Connie Jones, in Dowagiac. For over 50 years John had been involved in the construction industry and was a Heavy Equipment Operator. He had a passion for being outdoors and loved to hunt and fish. Most of all, John loved to spend his time with his family, especially with his grandchildren. John is survived by his wife of 46 years, Connie Checkley of Dowagiac; children, Craig (Jilene) Checkley of Dowagiac, Kurt (Rebekah Trosper) Checkley of Dowagiac, Kisha (Gus Parker) Checkley of Dowagiac and Robert (Kelli) Checkley of Lyons, MI; grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Steven) Pena, Zachary (Rebekah) Checkley, Jared Checkley, Karlie Checkley, Kole Checkley, Steven Trosper, Nathan Tackitt, Rosadio Murray, Lucas Szymczak, Cooper Szymczak, Braelyn Rogers, McKenna Checkley, Teagan Checkley and Perrin Checkley; great-grandchildren, Chase & Hudson Pena and Amora Murray Tackitt; siblings, Diann (Jack) Lewandowski, Nancy Ruminer-Checkley, Don (Cindy) Checkley, Tom Checkley, Bill (Bonnie) Checkley, Gary (Cindy) Checkley, Loretta Freshour and Sally Beckwith. John was preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Bernice Checkley and sisters, Yvonne Carpenter and Margie Checkley.