George I. Crail

George I. Crail passed away March 13 at Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo.

George was born in Minneapolis, MN on April 15, 1940 to Donald I Crail and Marion (Crail) DeVault.

The family moved to Michigan in 1949 and from the minute they arrived, George embraced the Michigan outdoors. George spent many years hunting throughout Michigan and the western United States.

He and his wife Esther fished on Lake Michigan for over 30 years and wintered In Kissimmee, FL for several years. 

George was a jack of all trades. He built his man cave (garage) of which he spent most of his time working on numerous projects. There was literally nothing he couldn’t tackle.

Although he was never fond of being referred to as a social butterfly, the term fit him to a tee. His family fondly remembers the many summers at the marina in South Haven and George striking up conversations with his many friends. 

In his younger years George was an avid baseball player playing in high school and city leagues and was once scouted by the New York Yankees. He was a die-hard Detroit Tigers fan. 

Upon his graduation from Battle Creek Central, George served in the United States Marines Reserves. 

George worked as a Millwright for the Kellogg company for 35 years, retiring in 1995. After retirement he operated his fishing charter business providing opportunities for people to fish on the Great Lakes.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Esther (Rond) Crail, father, Donald I. Crail and his mother, Marion (Crail) DeVault and brother, Charles Crail.

He is survived by his brother, Fred (Linda) Crail, children; Catherine Crail Kreter (Mark), Mark Crail, Michael J. Rond, Karen Hempton; grandchildren, Kevin (Michelle) Kreter, Kristopher (Maggie) Kreter, Michael (Cheryl) Rond, Jessica Rond and Amy Hempton; great-grandchildren, James Kreter, Luke Kreter, Blake Kreter and Michael D. Rond; great-granddaughter expected in May 2024; great-granddaughter, Quin Pigman-Rond and great great-granddaughter, Calliope Rond and other nephews, great-nephews and nieces.   

There will be a graveside service later this summer. Donations can be made to Centrica Care Navigators or a charity of your choice.  Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care.   Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.