Charles William Stubbs
April 28, 1907-Jan. 27, 1951
Niles Daily Star, Monday, January 29, 1951; page 1, col. 2, microfilm, Niles District Libraryfrom K. Alton)
Avalon Ballroom Owner Found on Garage Floor
Cass County Coroner Adam B. Greenawalt, of Cass county, today ruled as accidental the death by carbon monoxide poisoning Saturday of Charles W. Stubbs, 43, owner of the Avalon ballroom here.
Stubbs was found on the floor of his closed garage, dead from fumes from the same car which killed his wife 20 months ago. State police said no evidence of suicide was found.
Dead 10 to 20 Hours
Vivian C. Bloodgood, Stubbs step-father, found Stubbs about 2 p.m. Saturday, lying by the driver’s side of the car. Police said he had been dead for from 10 to 12 hours when found. The Howard township fire department pulmotor was called to the scene but was not used. Time of death was place at about 2:30 a.m. Saturday.
Wife Died in Similar Way
Stubbs’ wife, who sang professionally under the name of Carol Kay, was found dead in the same car and garage on May 24, 1949. The engine of the car was cold when both bodies were found. Bloodgood had gone to seek Stubbs at his home when he had not seen him all day.
Friends said Stubbs apparently had returned home after a Tall Cedars of Lebanon party which he left at 1:15 a.m. Saturday. The keys to the car were in his pocket when he was found.
He was born April 28, 1907, in Kalamazoo, and came here from Benton Harbor in 1931. He is survived by his step-father and mother Mr. and Mrs. Vivian Bloodgood of Barron Lake.
Stubbs was a member of St. Joseph Valley No. 4 Free and Accepted Mason, of the Dewitt Clinton Masonic consistory of Grand Rapids, of the Niles-Cass Shrine club, and of Saladin Shrine temple, Grand Rapids. He was a veteran of World War II.
Funeral Services Tuesday
The Rev. T.M. Greenhoe, of the First Presbyterian church will conduct funeral services at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery. Friends may call at the Pifer funeral home.