Harrold Phillip Goff

Harold Goff, 90, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. He was born on May 10, 1935, the son of Harold Frances and Irene Lavern (Davis) Goff.

He was born in Los Angeles. His parents moved to Michigan when he was two months old. He spent the next 15 years on a farm in the UP. He bought his first car when he was 10, for a modest amount of $4. He later sold it to the scrap yard for $5. During the Second World War, as Archy Bunker would say, "The Big One", Harold went to work for Gresly. By the age of 18, Harold was doing engine overhauls, which Gresly did transmission rebuilds. In his best year, Harold did 106 engine rebuilds! Harold eventually took a job with Clark Equipment and Corter Motor Homes, becoming the branch and modification special build manager. Corter sold to Twin Coach. They wanted to have a motor home on Twin Coach. He designed and built a prototype on 25 KT AWP, 30 feet. It was sold at the 1972 motor home expo. John Wayne bought one. He left the company over production problems. Being in Arrow/Kent, Ohio. Harold took a position as a service manager with Clark Equipment. He left there to go to work for Brennan, out of Toledo, Ohio. He became the top salesperson for the Yale branch. Harold started a forklift repair business in Kent, Ohio. Then he went to work for Coca cola as a forklift repair person. After this, Harold bought the Marshall Motor Lodge. Harold went on to take a position as lift truck mechanic for Yale, as Fleet mechanic at Elparigo, in Alacan. He had to retire after an injury to his knee.

Harold became a born-again Christian at 37. He studied at Moody Bible Institute Extension, in Ohio. Harold also studied at Liberty University by mail. He became a pastor at Temple Baptist Church of Battle Creek, MI. The name was eventually changed to Higher Ground Ministries. He held the position for 20 years. Harold was never out of work.

Harold also served for 9 years in the Air National Guard. Two of those years were spent as Night watchman. He was also a crew chief on F51 Mustang, F86, F89, and B52. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed fishing and bowling.

Harold is survived by his Wife, Brenda (Claspell) Goff of Battle Creek, Michigan; Step-Daughter, Janice Wedl of Battle Creek, MI; Four Sons, Harold Phillip (Janet) Goff Jr., John Thomas (Norda) Goff, William David (Karen) Goff, Timmothy Lee (Carla) Goff; Three Daughters, Lynn Louise Benek, Jackie Sece (Bob) Sabastian, Jackie Ann (Loren) Monarch; Daughter-in-law, Levia Ann Goff; Grandchildren, 18; Great Grandchildren, 17; . He was preceded in death by his Father, Harold Frances Goff, Mother, Irene Levern Goff, Leota Mae Goff, and Brian Eugene Goff.

Memorials may be made to: Lakeside Baptist Church.

The family is hosting a visitation at Lakeside Baptist Church, 15017 N. Uldriks Drive, Battle Creek, M 49017, on May 22, 2026. A Memorial Service to Beginning at 12:00 PM.

Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800 www.baxterfuneral.com