Jeffrey "Jeff" Charles Gailhouse

Jeffrey "Jeff" Charles Gailhouse of Battle Creek, MI, formerly of Lawton, MI

Jeff, age 46, passed away Friday, October 11, 2013 in Battle Creek. He was born on February 15, 1967 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Thomas L. and Andreia "Kay" (Wolownik) Gailhouse. Jeff graduated from Lawton High School in 1985. He earned his Master's degree from Western Michigan University in 1992. Jeff married Allison Buck on November 18, 2011 at the Lawton Community Center. He was employed at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, MI for over 25 years and coached the West Michigan Gators travel softball team.

] Jeff is survived by his mother, Kay Gailhouse of Lawton; wife, Allison E. Gailhouse; his daughter, Taylor and son, Thomas Jeffrey, both of Battle Creek; grandmother, June McCauslin of Lawton; sister, Angela K. (Roy) Pingel of Niles, MI; brother, Todd R. (Theresa) of Lawton, MI, father and mother-in-law, Gregory (Vicki) Buck of Battle Creek, brother-in-laws, Brandon (Beth) Buck of Battle Creek, Jared Buck of Lawton and Cameron (Kristen) Buck of Hudsonville, MI and many special uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews. Preceding him in death is his father, Thomas L. Gailhouse.

Jeff's greatest joy in life was his two beautiful children and wife. He shared his love for softball with his daughter and coached her from little league through high school. He was his happiest while on the field coaching. His "Gator" girls were an extension of his family. Jeff's son is truly his mini-me, from his ears to his nose. Jeff loved his "baby gator" and was proud he had his son to carry on the Gailhouse name. Jeff and Allison were blessed with two precious children and spent each day showering them with love. They knew they had the perfect little family and cherished every moment together.

Jeff was a die-hard Chicago fan from the Bears to the Sox and enjoyed the friendly banter with his Detroit supporting friends. Jeff was extremely patriotic and always decorated in red, white, and blue. He loved being outdoors and always strived for the best lawn in the neighborhood. Camping was his escape and sitting around the campfire he always stated "it doesn't get any better than this." His passion was exercising and his day was never complete without weight lifting. Jeff enjoyed a good beer and had to the complete the Big T beer club "just one more time". Blue was his color, Chevy was his brand, and 55 was his number. Jeff was an all-around outstanding man, the best husband, daddy, son, brother, uncle, coach, employee, and friend. He went the extra mile in every aspect of his life. Jeffrey Charles loved life and always lived it to its fullest.

The Funeral Service to celebrate Jeff's life will be held on Wednesday, October 16th at 11:00 a.m. at the Lawton Heritage Community Center, 646 N. Nursery Street, Lawton, MI 49065, with the Rev. Lonnie Carpenter, Pastor of the Lawton Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Lawton, MI. Family and friends are invited to return to the Community Center to continue Jeff's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon. Friends will be received on Tuesday, October 15th at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home in Battle Creek from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund for his children, Taylor and Thomas has been established at Southwest Michigan Federal Credit Union.