Sterling Lee Chamberlain's Obituary
Sterling Lee Chamberlain, 90 years young, went home to be with his God on July 20, 2016 in Ft. Myers, Florida. Sterling was a life-long resident of Traverse City. After his service in the U. S. Navy during WWII, he returned to the family farm in Garfield Township. Along with his brothers Bill and Bob, and mother Edythe, the family survived a house fire and lost everything. Sterling spent 3 months in Munson Hospital fighting for his life. He was cared for by RN Donna Little, who he married in 1947 in Traverse City with Donna’s father, Reverend O. B. Little officiating. Their daughter Patricia was adopted in 1954. Their son Stephen was adopted in 1957. Sterling had a successful career in the automotive industry, first with M.J. McKintosh on 8th Street, and then, as a partner for many years with Art’s Auto Electric. He loved his many years behind the counter. Always with a smile and a kind ear, his automotive knowledge kept him busy with anyone who needed help. He especially enjoyed working with the Bramer family. Sterling was a proud Kiwanian and served many a buffalo burger at the NMC Barbeque. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He enjoyed T.C. H.S. Choir Concerts and going to Interlochen concerts. His son Stephen was tragically killed in 1975. Life changed for him and he found a new passion for skeet shooting. Along with his brother Bill, Sterling was a force weekly at the Cedar Rod and Gun Club. Upon retirement to Tamiami Village in Ft. Myers, Sterling continued to shoot, hosted hundreds of dinners for the park and was Past President of Tamiami Village Association. The love of his life, Donna, passed away in 2009. He continued to stay very active in the park and was a member of the Tamiami Village Veterans Honor Squad. He is survived by his daughter Patty Chamberlain Noverr of Palm Beach Gardens, Fl and his beloved grandsons Douglas Noverr also of Ft. Myers and Pvt. Stephen Noverr of Ft. Stewart, GA. He is preceded in death by brothers William and Robert Chamberlain, Son Stephen Chamberlain and his wife, Donna. A memorial service with full military honors by the Tamiami Village Veterans Association, will be held 11:00 AM Monday, July 25, 2016 in the Friendship Hall of Tamiami Village, 16555 North Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers, FL 33903. A light lunch will follow. His family suggest memorials be made to the Tamiami Village Veteran’s Association c/o John Kasten 9066 Flamingo Circle, North Fort Myers, FL 33903. Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared on his tribute page at www.fortmyersmemorial.com
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