Lucien Axtell Obituary


AXTELL, LUCIEN W

Just two months short of his 101st birthday, Lucien Wheeler Axtell passed away on Friday, April 11, 2014. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI on June 28, 1913. The son of Henry and Vera Axtell, Lucien was a lifelong resident of the Kalamazoo area. He graduated from University High in 1931 and attended Western State Teacher's College. Lucien was united in marriage to Dora Dustin in 1939. Their marriage lasted 51 years until her death in 1990. Surviving are his son, Robert (Shirley) Axtell; daughter, Diane (Dave) Haas, three grandchildren, Michael Axtell, Debbie (Brad) Gillaspie, Allison (Ross) Joyce, two great-grandsons, Brady and Cody Gillaspie, and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his wife, parents, and siblings, William, Ruth, and Lucille. Lucien's love were family, golf, trains and the outdoors (where he would walk and walk and pick up a few sticks and twigs along the way), which kept him active until recent months. Well-known for his gift of gab, he was a walking and talking encyclopedia of Kalamazoo history and golf. His stories and advice will be greatly missed by family and friends. Lucien was the owner of States Golf Course in Vicksburg and Oakland Hills Golf Club in Portage. His love of golf began as a caddy at the Kalamazoo Country Club in the 1920s. His family wishes to thank the staff at White Oaks Retirement Residence for their loving and caring support. Thank you to Rick and the Grace Hospice staff for making Lucien's last few months more peaceful. Entombment has taken place at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park with immediate family in attendance. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Grace Hospice, 2725 Airview Blvd., Ste #101, Portage MI 49002. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes. Please visit Lucien's personalized webpage for his online guestbook or to leave a condolence to his family at www.langelands.com.

Published by Kalamazoo Gazette from Apr. 15 to Apr. 20, 2014.
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6 Entries

I remember the days with uncle Vet and the later days with Lucien when we were at the golf course or on the days when the Dustin family would get together.Thank you for the memories.

Edward Dustin

April 20, 2014

Bob,
I'm sorry for the loss of your father. What a long and wonderful life he led! My father, John Hill, always spoke fondly of Lucien.

Michelle Gazley

April 18, 2014

What an amazing man...the longevity of his life added more wonderful stories to be told. His appearance at our 25th Season Celebration at States Golf Course in 2007 was so heartwarming for us because he had started what we, the Walt Jasiak family, are carrying on. So sorry for your loss. Rosalie Jasiak

Rosalie Jasiak

April 17, 2014

Diane and Dave, Sorry for your lost. Jan, Kristine, and Zachary Newhouse.

April 16, 2014

What a great life Lucien lived I was honored to talk with him many times and he always had great stories to tell and share with us that love the game of golf. Bye my friend may peace be with you.

richard gates

April 16, 2014

I fondly remember back in the 1969-1970 time frame Lucien telling me about how impressive the iron play of Jack Nicklaus was to him. He had gone to watch Jack in a tournament at the time and urged me to go see him as well. What a blessing for his family to have him live such a full life.

Richard Teremi Sr.

April 16, 2014

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