George Morrell Hakes of Battle Creek passed into eternity on April 21, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in Jackson, Michigan, on July 31, 1948, to Donald and Gloria (Gauss) Hakes, George filled his 77 years with friendships, adventure, and grit.

While still a child, George woke hours before school to trap muskrats and mink, which he would sell for their pelts. Later, he delivered newspapers from his bicycle on a seven-mile route. His hard work allowed him to save enough money to purchase a Harley Hummer when he was only 13 years old, making his paper route a bit easier—and more fun.

After graduating from Athens High School in 1966, George was drafted into the Army, reporting for duty on April 23, 1968. Until the day he passed, George carried the grief of losing close friends alongside the pride of serving his country and felt both deeply. He worked at Clark Equipment until they closed and then retired in 2009 from Eaton Corporation in Galesburg, where he provided procurement services for Research and Development.

While George loved spending time with his many friends and traveling to the Salt Flats with his “Hotrod Purple Pickup Truck,” his favorite place was the solitude of his cabin in northern Michigan, which he built by hand using only a chainsaw to fell the trees and a hatchet to skin the bark. Every inch of his cabin is a testament to George’s resourcefulness and ingenuity.

Family was important to George. He is survived by his wife, Susan (Huizenga) Hakes; daughter, Kimberly Huizenga; grandsons, Benjimon Huizenga and Travis Satterfield; great-grandsons, Tyler and Jaxton Satterfield; brothers, Gary (Dee) Hakes and Brian (Alexis) Hakes; nieces, Jeannie (Greg) Burchfield and Tammy Hisler; and several great-nieces and nephews, whom he loved.

On George’s behalf, Sue would like to extend special thanks to Jeannie and Greg Burchfield for their unwavering help and devotion, and for Greg’s close friendship with George.

In accordance with George’s wishes, there will be a private family gathering to honor his life.

George was patriotic to the last and had a heart for injured and fallen first responders and veterans. Donations may be made in his honor to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.