Gale Arkwright, 73

Gale Junior Arkwright, age 73, of Mendon, passed away Monday, August 19th, 2013 at his home. He was born in Lewiston, MI on October 11, 1939, the son of Cecil and Delia (Barton) Arkwright. Gale graduated from Atlanta High School in 1957 and received an associate degree from Alpena Community College. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1961. On July 31, 1965 he married Sandra Jean Baker in Kalamazoo. Gale worked as a Heavy Equipment operator for Operating Engineers Local 324, Troy, MI from 1966 to 2000. He previously worked at General Electric in Chicago. Gale was an avid golfer at St. Joe Valley Golf Club and enjoyed riding bike. He was an accomplished woodworker and was known as Mr. Gale the handyman.

Surviving are his wife Sandra Arkwright, Mendon, son James Arkwright of Goose Creek, NC, daughters Daryl (Mike) Arkwright-Keeler of Kalamazoo, Teresa (Eric) Arkwright-Reed of Mendon, grandchildren Tim Arkwright, Kelly Lenfield, Kate Wittenberg, Matt Paddock, great grandchildren Elliot and Nolan Lenfield. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Relatives and friends will be received Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Eley Funeral Homes in Centreville, where Religious Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, August 23rd, with Pastor Thoreau May, Mendon United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to West Michigan Cancer Center 200 N. Park St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Online messages may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.