Harold R. Gaul

Harold (Tootie) R. Gaul, 77 of Buchanan, MI passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 in Buchanan, MI surrounded by family.Harold was born May 18, 1934 in Benton Harbor, MI to Alfred and Ella (Bonesz) Gaul. Harold graduated from Buchanan High School in 1953. Upon graduation Harold was drafted into the United States Air Force where he served 4 years during the Korean War and 4 years in the Reserves. He married Phyllis Scroggins on April 18, 1959. He retired in 1999 from the Berrien County Road Commission. Harold was an avid outdoorsman, who loved hunting and fishing trips with his buddies and camping at Ludington State Park with his family. He believed in giving back to his community, and was a founding member of the Miss Buchanan organization for 33 years. Harold was a true dog lover and could be seen around town with his beloved Brutus in the passenger’s seat of his truck. Harold devoted his life to his family and grandchildren. He loved attending his grandsons’ sporting events which included Friday night football, baseball and ice hockey games. Harold was preceded in death by his parents and brothers; Kenneth, Arthur, and Leonard Gaul. He leaves loving memories in the hearts of; his wife Phyllis Gaul of Buchanan; his two daughters, Kimberly Ella Gaul, also of Buchanan, Elizabeth Jane (Tim) Mulligan of South Bend; and his grandsons Garrett and Jason Mulligan. Harold is survived by his sister, Evelyn Klingerman of Buchanan and many nieces, nephews and cousins.The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the many family members and friends who supported Harold and his family during his illness. Special thanks to the Shrider family, John & Karen Smedley, Rollie and Arlyne Carlson, and Don Clark for their love and friendship.Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front Street, Buchanan, MI. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 19, 2011 also at Swem Chapel. Burial will follow services at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan where American Legion Post 51 will provide military honors. There will be a luncheon following services at the American Legion Ralph Rumbaugh Post 51, Buchanan. Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Ralph Rumbaugh Post 51, 403 E. Front Street, Buchanan, MI 49107, or Hospice at Home, Inc., 4017 Chamberlin Road, Buchanan, MI 49107. Those wishing to sign his guest book or leave a condolence message may do so by visiting our website www.swemchapel.com.