May 2, 2009

Grandpa...

Lewis Lee Haddix

Published: Saturday, May 2, 2009 3:11 AM EDT
Lewis Lee Haddix passed away on Friday, May 1, 2009, at the age of 94, surrounded by his family.

Lewis had resided at Brigadoon Apartments at Boardman Lake Glens.


Lewis was born on the family farm in Bentley on Feb. 27, 1915, one of three children born to Lee and Susie (Lewis) Haddix. He attended school and later attended Bay City Business School where he met the love of his life, Roberta Newman. (In class, he threw a paper wad at her to get her to turn around) They were married in Roberta’s parents’ home in Midland on Sept. 10, 1937. He then worked with his father as a finish carpenter in Midland and Bay City. During World War II they moved back to the family 180-acre dairy and produce farm in nearby Bentley. In 1946, they moved to Standish where they raised their five children and partnered with his father and brother in the Standish Lumber and Manufacturing Company. In 1959, they moved to Midland and established the Haddix Lumber and Supply Company which they operated until they retired in 1980. During that time period they also owned and operated Standish Lumber in Standish and Midway Lumber in Sanford.

In the winter months, Lewis and Roberta lived in Palm Harbor, Fla., and summered in Midland until 2003 when they moved to Traverse City. They lived in the Village at Bay Ridge Apartments and later at Boardman Lake Glens.

Lewis was known in the lumber business as a man of integrity and as a businessman who believed service was the best commodity to his clientele.

He loved and was loved by his family. Always with an infectious and beautiful smile on his face, Lewis was a very generous and caring person with a heart of gold. He loved to sing and in recent months enjoyed singing with the staff at Boardman Glens, remembering all of the words to all of the songs, even when others didn’t. He also loved singing at the Central United Methodist Church hymn sings and even sang with the choir and the soloists. He was the last surviving founding member of the Mansfield Rod and Gun Club, and was a 32nd degree Mason in the Bay City Masonic Lodge. He loved to bowl, hunt, fish, play cards and enjoyed traveling around the world with his wife, Roberta.

Lewis loved God and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Midland and later Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City.

He is survived by his loving family, Peter (Margaret) of Traverse City, Carol (John) Keen and Marcia (Robert) Lowry of Rutherfordton, N.C., Mary (Mike) Rumbaugh of Farwell and John (Pam) of Indianapolis; 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Francis Beckrow and Mildred Onderchanen as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Roberta, sister, Ruby Hubbell, and brother, Don Haddix.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St., Traverse City, with Pastor Dale Ostema officiating.

Visitation will take place at the church beginning at 2:30 p.m.. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 5 at Midland Cemetery, Midland.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Central United Methodist Church. Please share your condolences and memories with the family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City.

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