Harold D ESTES

FEB 1920 - 8 NOV 2008

• BIRTH: FEB 1920, Williamston, Michigan
• DEATH: 8 NOV 2008, Haven Hospice, Gainsville, FL

INDEX

[N12041] ESTES, HAROLD D., 88

Gainesville - Harold D. Estes 88 departed from us at the end of a brief stay at Haven Hospice in Gainesville, Florida on November 8, 2008. He was the youngest of 5 siblings, born February 1920 in Williamston, Michigan. The family moved to Lansing, MI following his father's death in 1927 where he lived until moving to Florida after retirement from the automobile industry. He graduated from Central High School, Lansing Michigan class of 1938 and began studies at Michigan State. He interrupted his studies to serve in WWII as a pilot stationed in North Africa and England and was part of the 814 Bombardment Squadron. He later served as a reserve officer in the US Air Force where he retired as a Lt. Colonel. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1947 where he majored in History before entering graduate school and was a Member of Lambda Chi Fraternity. The same year he entered into a remarkable marriage with Valentina M. Estes that sustained him for 57 years until her death in 2004. Mr. Estes retired from Oldsmobile as a Senior Process Engineer completing his career with the automobile company that spanned more than 31 years. In Lansing, he was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and the Air Force Association. In 1989, he and Valentina moved to Gainesville to be near their grandsons. Harold was a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Gainesville. He is survived by his daughter, Kerry S. Estes, and son-in-law, Hartmut Derendorf, and his two grandchildren, Kevin Derendorf and Karsten Derendorf of Gainesville, Florida. Additional surviving family include 2 nieces, 3 nephews, 2 sisters-in-law and grandnieces and nephews in Florida, Indiana, Oregon, California and New York. The Funeral service will be on Friday November 14 at 10 30 a.m. at the WILLIAMS-THOMAS WESTAREA FUNERAL HOME, 823 N.W. 143rd St CR 241 North, Gainesville/Newberry, FL 352-376-7556 with Fr. Jeremy Hole officiating. Visitation will be Thursday evening 6 00-7 30 pm at the same location. Arrangements are under the care of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations could be made to Haven Hospice 4200 N.W. 90th Blvd, Gainesville FL 32606. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/gainesville/obituary.aspx?n=harold-d- estes&pid=120056234#sthash.svYVHELK.dpuf