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Lee Halladay

May 29, 1941 - July 28, 2017
Vicksburg, MI

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Visitation

Friday, August 4, 2017
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM EDT
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Vicksburg Location
409 South Main Street
Vicksburg, MI 49097
(269) 649-1697
Driving Directions

Visitation

Saturday, August 5, 2017
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EDT
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Vicksburg Location
409 South Main Street
Vicksburg, MI 49097
(269) 649-1697
Driving Directions

Service

Saturday, August 5, 2017
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Vicksburg Location
409 South Main Street
Vicksburg, MI 49097
(269) 649-1697
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Pets for Patriots
Web Site

Animal Rescue Project
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Heirloom Rose
407 S. Grand St.
Schoolcraft, MI 49087
(269) 679-3010
Driving Directions
Web Site

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Print

Throughout his rich and rewarding life, Lee Halladay was an honest and hardworking man who was content in whatever life brought. Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, he was a humble man whose greatest source of pride and joy was found in the relationships he shared with the ones he loved. Lee was a simple man who loved the outdoors and could often be found out enjoying the beauty of the world around him. He honorably served his country, and he was the type of person who would do anything for someone else. Deeply loved, Lee will be forever missed.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as WWII raged on. Those who remained stateside became familiar with rationing on common goods like sugar, coffee, rubber, and tin while countless American families eagerly awaiting any news from the front lines. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1941 when Edward and Martha (Martinaitis) Halladay were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the beauty of spring unfolded in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Lee Edward drew his first breath on May 29th, joining his older sister, Joanne, in the family. He later became the middle of three children when his younger sister, Bertha, was born. Lee’s father worked as a policeman for the City of Kalamazoo and was also the head of the Yellow Cab Company, while his mother worked at Gilmore Brothers.

In many ways, Lee was a young man of his generation. It should come as no surprise to those who knew Lee to hear that he was an active child as this trait followed him throughout his entire life. He was the coolest kid in school when his dad took him to school on the police motorcycle. Lee attended local schools including Kalamazoo Central as part of the class of 1959. He finished his education by earning his GED after his time in the service was fulfilled. Lee served in the United States Army from 1958 through 1962 as part of the 553rd Construction Engineers. Much of his time was spent stationed in Maison Forte, France, where he hauled heavy equipment to Spain and around France and Germany. Upon his return in 1966, Lee began working as a pipe fitter plumber for General Motors. He spent his entire career of more than 35 years there before retiring. In addition, Lee was a member of the UAW Local 488.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Lee’s introduction to the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Susan Yates, and they met when he was just a young man of 16 while out on Indian Lake. Lee stopped to see a boat with two female passengers, and his first words were, “Oh, I thought you were somebody else.” He did make an impression, and the two exchanged phone numbers and would see each other every now and then. After returning home from the service after four years of being gone, Lee called Susan. True love won in the end as they began dating and were married on July 25, 1964. Together they welcomed two children, Douglas and James, into their hearts and home. Lee also has a special dog named Harley and he loved seeing his granddog, Dundee. Every year Christmas was his favorite time of the year since it was a time when the family all came together to celebrate.

Throughout his life Lee was a man of many interests who enjoyed being active. It has been said that his favorite place was at the VFW/American Legion Post #5855 on Sprinkle Road, but he also loved being at the cottage on Indian Lake. Lee enjoyed visiting the casinos as well as doing some woodworking. Many of his woodworking projects were focused on his decoys. An outdoor lover, Lee loved spending time hunting and fishing and he was famous for his great Coney Dogs.

All who knew Lee Halladay would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was a true character who never met a stranger and loved telling jokes that made others laugh. A devoted husband and father, Lee was happiest when surrounded by the ones he loved. He had a fun-loving side, but he could also be meticulous in the things he did. He was kind and generous, the sort of person who walked humbly first and foremost. Life will never be the same without Lee here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

"And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8

Lee Edward Halladay, of Vicksburg, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2017.

Lee is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan; two sons: Douglas (Jennifer) Halladay, of Richland; James (Christine) Halladay, of Vicksburg; one sister: Bertha (Lloyd) Bush, of St. Joseph; brother-in-law: Dr. James (Linda) Yates, of TN; several nieces and nephews and special friends; and special dog Harley and grand dog Dundee. Lee was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joanne Paffhausen. A visitation will be held on Friday from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. both at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11a.m. at the same location. Please visit Lee’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook and share a memory. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contributions to Pets for Patriots and/or Animal Rescue Project.

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