Athol Hazen Jr., age 94, of Marshall died Sunday morning, March 22, 2020 at his home in the loving care of his family.
Mr. Hazen was born on September 9, 1925 in Grand Rapids to Athol and Susie (Albright) Hazen Sr. He was a graduate of Wayland High School, Class of 1943. Following his graduation, he was drafted and served in the United States Army during the Korea war.
On December 28, 1951, he married a high school classmate, Helen M. Crofoot in Wayland. The couple lived in Kalamazoo until 1953 moving to Eckford Township where they spent their lives. Helen preceded him in death on November 23, 2017.
Athol was employed by the Production Credit Association as a loan officer working with area farmers for 20 years serving five counties including Calhoun. Other places of employment included Lynn Chevrolet and Lynn Farms both of Homer where he worked in their offices as bookkeeper. He retired in 1987. He was recruited by Floyd Lynn after he left PCA.
Athol was a very active member of the community and a mentor to the youth of the area. He served as the Eckford Township Supervisor for 20 years. Very instrumental in transferring township records to computer data form. He was a member of the Michigan Nature Association, first president of the Calhoun County Agricultural and Industrial Society and a Golden Sheaf (50 plus years) Member of the Fredonia Grange. He served as the President of the local Farm Bureau organization and also served on the board of the B.E. Henry Building Association for many years. He was sought out by many of his peers for advice throughout his life and was a strong advocate for the expansion of the Marshall Public Library.
Athol enjoyed his family, gardening, bird watching, crossword and sudoku puzzles, reading and keeping up with the family genealogy. He also enjoyed the dances held at the Fredonia Grange, dancing until he was 91 years old.
He is survived by a daughter, Mary E. Lyke of Florida; a son, Richard L. (Theresa Allen) Hazen of Marshall; grandchildren, Chris (Missy Eich) Hazen, Nathaniel Hazen, Zachary Hazen and Sarah (Ben) Bray; and great grandchildren, Bella Hazen, Evan Hazen, Johnathan Hazen, Kyle Bray and Gabriel Bray.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Athol and Susie Hazen; his wife, Helen Hazen; a daughter, Lois J. Hazen and a son, Leslie J. Hazen and two brothers, Jay Hazen and Harold Hazen.
A memorial service to celebrate the gift of his life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, June 27, 2020 at the Kempf Family and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068.
Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the Fredonia Grange. Assistance with the memorials is available through the funeral home.
To leave a personal message and sign the online guest book please, visit
http://www.kempffuneralhome.com
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Marshall Chapel of Kempf Family Funeral
Visits: 10
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