Albert L. Deal's Obituary
A loving, patient, and generous man, Albert Louis Deal, age 93, of Spring Lake passed from this life to Life Eternal on Thursday afternoon at North Ottawa Community Hospital. Al was born October 27, 1914 in LaGrange County, Indiana to Fred Gage and Carlie Parthena (Grubb) Deal. Following graduation from Kalamazoo College with a bachelor’s degree in history he went on to earn his master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Michigan. He was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Naval Armed Guard in WW II, during which he saw duty in both the Atlantic and Pacific war operations.
Al’s distinguished career in Michigan public education spanned 40 years and he served with four Michigan public school districts as superintendent. He was also active with the Michigan Association of School Administrators. For 20 years he was commissioner of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and had served as member, vice president and president of the Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association. In 1987 he was presented an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Olivet College and the following year was inducted into the Michigan Education Hall of Fame. In 1995 Al was voted into Kalamazoo College’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
Al was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Life member of R.C. Hathaway Lodge #387 F.S.A.M. of Caledonia, Life member of B.P.O.E. #1381 of Sturgis, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Grand Rapids, American Legion Post #28 in Grand Haven and Michigan Sport Sages.
Al is survived by his wife Connie who described her life with Al as “Christmas every day;” three daughters: Ann M. VandenBerg, Emily J. Dood and Martha E. Butler; four stepsons: Richmond H. (Cindy) Jones, Douglas H. Jones, Dr. Donald H. (Maryvic Cuison) Jones, all of Spring Lake, and Craig H. (Lisa) Jones of Vero Beach, FL; and several loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The funeral service for Al will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 17, 2008, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Grand Haven with Rev. John Hills officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #28. Friends may meet the family following the service for a time of refreshment and sharing. Memorials to St. John’s Episcopal Church are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their on-line guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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