Obituary for Harold Waite

Harold J. Waite, 95 passed away at his home in Westerville, OH on Oct. 1, 2021.

 

Also known as "Jay" to friends and beloved family and "Gumpy" to his grand and great grandchildren. Harold was born Sept. 27, 1926, son to Earl J. and Gertrude (Reger) Waite. He was preceded in death by his son Mark J. Waite and daughter Marlene K. "Micki“ Waite, his brother Max Waite and sister Maxine Waite.

 

"Jay" will be missed by his beloved wife of 71 years, the former Marilyn A. Townsend, sister Nancy Eisenhauer, daughter Kathy Godwin (and Tom), son Bradley Waite (and Beth), daughter Lisa Waite. "Gumpy" will be missed by five grandchildren Gethin Godwin, III (and Amber), Brian Waite, Justin Godwin (and Desiree), Jason Waite (and Nicole), Michele Miller (and Jason), plus great grandchildren Kyla Godwin, Cade Godwin, Kendall Godwin, Callie Godwin, Claire Waite, Charlotte Waite, Matthew Waite, Mavery Miller and Hazel Miller.

 

He loved spending time with the grand and great grandchildren. Harold grew up in the Midland area and graduated from Midland High School. He is a WWII veteran. He joined the US Navy in 1944, seaman first class and Helldiver SB2C tail gunner trainee. A proud MSU (BSEE) graduate who loved flying the Green and White "S" flag for every game. He worked most of his life at Dow Chemical in Midland, MI and at their subsidiary companies in OH (Amspec and Dow Chemical Research Facility).

 

Harold loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, sports (especially the Tigers, Loons and Clippers) and most of the family pictures will have him holding up a fish. A love of his that has been carried on by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a founding member of a hunt club in Marquette, MI and also a member of the Freeland Lions Club. He enjoyed playing sports and played on many Midland softball teams. Harold was also an avid collector and member of the Beer Can Collectors of America. Jay was a social person, very easy to like and made friends quickly. Jay loved sitting in the sun to get his daily dose of Vitamin D (usually during happy hour). Harold loved to read and read everything. Later in life he became a huge puzzler and worked hundreds of puzzles. Harold loved a deal and stopped with Marilyn at every garage sale he saw. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He had a larger-than-life personality and will be truly missed beyond words.

 

Funeral arrangements are being made by Hill Funeral Home. Burial will be a private family ceremony at Blendon Cemetery

 

The family wishes to send a special thank you to nurse Starla and aide Chad at NCR Hospice for their care and compassion. Donations may be made as a tribute gift in Harold’s honor at

 www.NationalChurchResidences.org