Charles "Bud" Donnelly

Charles "Bud" Donnelly, a beloved educator, mentor, and avid tennis enthusiast, passed away peacefully at home on November 7, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. He was born on October 28, 1934, in Kalamazoo, MI.

Bud graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1952, followed by earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Michigan University in 1956. Bud married his best friend, Carol (Mackie), on August 8,1959 in Gladstone, MI, and they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance in 1959. Bud also served his country as a 2nd Lt in the U.S. Army, where he completed active duty at Fort Bliss, TX, as a proud ROTC graduate. Bud returned home to become the Head Tennis Coach and Phys Ed instructor at Kalamazoo College.

Bud began his teaching career in 1958 at Mattawan High School and continued at Battle Creek Lakeview High School, and University High School in Kalamazoo. In 1963, he transitioned to WMU, where he would spend the next 35 years in the Student Services Division as Associate Dean of Students. He worked closely with students to handle disciplinary matters, develop Greek life, and to lead the Parents Association. His influence touched countless lives throughout his esteemed career. He was also a charter member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity at WMU.

Throughout his life, Bud maintained a love of tennis. After teaching himself to play the sport, he went on to play collegiate tennis at WMU in which he was a record holder in both singles and doubles. For many years, Bud competed in tournaments throughout the Midwest and was ranked # 1 in doubles with his partner, Jack Vredevelt. He shared with his family his passion for tennis and he took great pride in his daughters’ tennis accomplishments. Bud was especially proud when the family was honored as the Midwest Tennis Family of the Year.

Upon retirement in 1997, Bud worked as a courier at Portage Commerce Bank for seven years. He served as president of the Portage Athletic Foundation from 1981-1985. Bud's contributions to the sports community were numerous and notable. He served on the WMU Athletic Board for many years and was president of the WMU “W Club” for over a decade. His dedication did not go unnoticed. Bud received numerous accolades, including a proclamation from the state of Michigan recognizing his longstanding commitment to WMU and being awarded Man of the Year for his distinguished service. His legacy in tennis was solidified with induction into the WMU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Western Michigan Tennis Hall of Fame in 2020. His contributions as a volunteer, referee, and umpire for the USTA Boys’ 16 and 18 National Tennis Championships in Kalamazoo earned him the prestigious Green Jacket award. .

He is survived by his wife Carol; daughters: Diane (Mike) Stone, Lisa (Rick) Denstorff, and Tracey (Jay) Maltby; grandchildren: Danielle Stone, Nicholas Stone, Clay Denstorff, Christopher Maltby, and Susanna Maltby; sister: Mary Jo Weller; brother: Russ French; brother-in-law: James (Chris) Mackie; nieces: Michelle Evans, Lisa Sue Mackie, and nephews: Jim Mackie, Mackenzie Mackie, and Nick Mackie; and cousin: Mike (Cindy) Belongie.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents: Virginia and Russell French, aunt: Barbara Massey, father-in-law: Harold Mackie, mother-in-law: Annabelle Mackie, and niece: Christie Mackie.

Bud's personality was one of a kind, characterized by his infectious smile and laughter that will forever be remembered. His steadfast support of WMU athletics exemplified his loyalty as a Bronco fan. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to share in his journey.

The family will have a memorial gathering for Bud on Monday, November 25th from 3pm until 7pm, with a brief prayer service at 4pm, at the funeral home.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Bud’s guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with his family. Those who wish may make contributions to the WMU Men’s and Women’s Tennis Team- https://secure.wmualumni.org/athletics/s/give  , and/or Breakthrough T1D- https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation2?2374.donation=form1&df_id=2374&mfc_pref=T 

The Donnelly family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 (269) 344-5600.