George R Haddock age 87 of Battle Creek, MI, passed away on Saturday August 23, 2014. George was born March 21, 1927 in Battle Creek to Earl S. Haddock and Elma L. (Jones) Haddock. Growing up in Emmett Township he attended schools in both Battle Creek and Marshall. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Merchant Marines, being activated under the US Coast Guard in 1944. He turned 18 while crossing the Atlantic on his way to Belgium during WWII. Later he enlisted in the US Air Force; he spent his active duty time at Selfridge AFB during the Korean Conflict. Upon his discharge from the service he married Janice M. Hess on July 3, 1952 in Angola, IN. George and Janice (Jan) lived in Battle Creek most of their lives raising a family of three. They had SueAnne H. (Merl) Grosvenor, of Battle Creek, Gerald W. Haddock, and DeAnne M. (Cary) Seekins of Hillsborough, NC. George was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He had extended family including foreign exchange students for several years that he and Jan were host family to. He was well known in Battle Creek for his years in real estate sales. After he retired he and Jan moved to Zephyrhills, FL in 1991. His hobby was flying. He was an avid pilot of single engine airplanes. He maintained his private pilot license into his early 80’s. George found pleasure in flying open cockpit biplanes, both for a business in crop dusting and for leisure. He brought his love of flying to his family, taking his children and grandchildren for airplane rides. In his retirement years he enjoyed spending time at the Zephyrhills airport and working part time for Zephyrhills Engine Shop. During this time he became a member of the QB’s the Quiet Birdmen. He is survived by his daughters, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was pre ceded in death by his brother William, wife Janice (Jan) and their son Gerald. Visitation we be held at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home, Thursday Oct 23rd from 5pm-8pm. Burial and military honors will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI on Friday, Oct. 24th at 2pm, where he will join his beloved wife Jan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated, if sent to the Durham VA Medical Center, Attention Palliative Care, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC 27705, where George spent his final days under their nurturing and loving care. www.henryfuneralhome.org
