Gerald L. Guilford

GUILFORD, Gerald L.
of Schoolcraft Gerald Guilford, age 73, went to be with the Lord on April 16, at Rose Arbor, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with cancer. He lived a life of service to others. He was married to the love of his life, Carolyn Meyer, for 52 years, who survives. He is also survived by his children, Shelley Gary Bailey, of Morristown, TN, Teresa Michael Hambley, of McPherson, KS, and Jody Amy Guilford, of Stevensville, MI, 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and 4 step-great grandchildren, 4 sisters and 1 brother, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two nephews, and one step granddaughter. He graduated from high school in Dearborn, MI, served five years in the USMC reserves, working to support his family. He owned a floor covering business for several years, and after moving to Kalamazoo area 33 years ago, became a journeyman electrician, working for his brother-in-law's electrical contracting firm until he retired 11 years ago. He was a faithful member of the Portage Free Methodist Church, serving as church treasurer for over 20 years. He loved the Lord and his family. With his son, Joe, he owned dragonboats, and ran dragonboat races at South Haven Harborfest for ten years, as well as other festivals in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. He loved the outdoors and working with his hands. He was an all-around handyman and could fix almost anything. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Hospice of Southwest Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo mall, Ste# 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 or the Portage Free Methodist Church. Funeral services provided by Langeland Funeral Home-Westside Chapel with visitation on Sunday, April 18, 6:30 - 8 pm, and funeral at Portage Free Methodist Church, 1715 W. Centre Ave., Portage, MI 49024 at 11:00 am on Monday, April 19 with internment at Hope Cemetery, Texas Township, following.