Charles Martin Debats

Charles Martin DeBats, 79 Lakeland " Charles Martin DeBats, 79, has gone to be with his Lord and Savior in Heaven, due to heart failure, on April 11, 2013. ""Chuck"" was born on March 12, 1934 in Birmingham, Michigan and was a graduate of Admiral Farragut Military Academy in St. Petersburg, Florida, attended the University of Florida and graduated with a degree of Geology from Florida State University, where he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. As a longtime resident of Lakeland, Chuck married his sweetheart, Marjorie Louise DeBats in December, 1964, and they raised their family in Lakeland. He was retired from Reintjes of the South Inc. as Regional Manager and was active in many professional organizations. In retirement, Chuck substitute taught in elementary, middle and high schools in the Lakeland area and was an active member, deacon, leader, and Sunday school teacher at Lakeside Baptist Church. Chuck was a mentor to three generations of young people, and in his later years was teaching grandchildren of his former students. Chuck is survived by his wife, Marge, his three children, Jan Speckhardt, Rick DeBats, and Steve DeBats (Becky) all of Lakeland. He is also survived by his sister Helen Lee of Knoxville, Tennessee, K Losson (Richard) of Atlanta, Georgia, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and longtime Lakeland friends that Chuck always considered his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Martin Luis DeBats of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, his beloved in-laws, JH and Lib Melton of Lakeland, and his angel daughter, Cindy DeBats. Visitation with family and memorial service, officiated by the Reverend Todd Dorsey, will be held at Lakeside Baptist Church on Monday, April 15, 2013 at 4:00 o""clock PM. Memorial gifts in Chuck""s honor may be sent to Florida Baptist Children""s Home of Lakeland, 1015 Sikes Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33815 or Cornerstone Hospice of Polk County, 2590 Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven, FL 33881. Service: 04/15/2013 Lakeside Baptist Church 1736 New Jersey Rd., Lakeland, FL 33801