Harold E. “John” Mull: Obituary

Born 01/22/1931 in Muncie, IN to the late Harold M. and Charlotte P. (Silvers) Mull passed 12/17/2014 to the other place. John was employed at Interstate Motor Freight System from 1948-1966 as a District Terminal Manager and then in 1966-1969 he became General Manager for Roy Kendall at Hardware/Electrical Division’s at Battle Creek/Kalamazoo Benton Harbor locations. After leaving Kendall’s John was hired by Fred Russell of Eaton Corp. (Marshall Division) 1969 to be Divisional Traffic Manager. John retired in March of 1986 from Eaton Corp.

John held many service club offices throughout his life:

1- Battle Creek Jaycees-President and he started the first (Toys for Tots) 1957 with the help of the Jackson Street Fire Department repairing old and used toys for distribution to various groups.
2- Battle Creek Traffic Club-President (twice) and club started the first of the World’s Longest Breakfast (1955) with Cereal/Tang/Bananas donated from Post Cereals/Ralston Purina and milk from Sullivan Dairy.
3- Battle Creek Motor Carries-President
4- President of Eaton Marshall Credit Union. (Handled the costs for design and building Marshall drive-thru office).

John graduated in 1948 from Battle Creek Central and participated in several various sports along with being an officer in the four member Boys Athletic Club. He was a co-captain of the Basketball and Track Teams.

John’s life included many various sports activities. John played basketball with Sam Williams M.S.U. and Ron Kramer University of Michigan on the Alexander Pharmacy Team, when both these men worked for Win Schuler as greeters. Also, he played against the Goble Trotters in the Milk Fund Game at W.M.U. and twice at the Percy Jones Gym which featured Jumping “Jonny” Wilson.

John played on the Percy Jones/Fort Custer Generals Team of baseball, basketball, football with Sgt. Earle Mudge Director/Coach.
His softball record is very wide including National Championships at Softball Player Association, one at Plano, TX., two at Dalton, GA (Champion Watches) and two Tournaments of Champions rings from Lakeland, Florida (Rings and M.V.P. gold plated bat), Senior Softball Olympics Championship at Virginia City, VA., with two championships at the Huntsman Senior World Series at St. George, Utah.

John is survived by his wife Janell of 64 years (06-25-1950), daughters Debra (Mark) Goodacre of GA. And Becky McNeil of Battle Creek, Grandson Josh (Tiffany) Ickes and granddaughters Alyssa Janell and Stephanie McNeil and a great grandson Braidyn and great granddaughter Kaitlyn, all of Battle Creek. John is also survived by many nieces and nephews along with brother and sister in law, LeRoy and Bette Miller of Battle Creek. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Iris Cook, brother in law, Jack and nephew, Jerry Cook. His family held a very special place in his life and heart over the years of living on the lake.

Special: To what’s her name (Janell-wife) Thank You for sixty four years of love and companionship thru the “good and bad years” I put you thru. Thanks for your support and care giving which are unbelievable I don’t know how much to thank you or repay “you”. All I can say is thank you-thank you, Your Loving Husband and Friend for Life, John. Thank you for two beautiful and loving caring daughters. Thank you both for your love and help thru these final days.

Also, Thanks for special help and support from my best friend, Tony “W”. Remember this: LOVE WHAT YOU DO AND DO WHAT YOU LOVE.

No service is scheduled. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial Contributions in John’s memory may be made to:
American Cancer Society at Bronson Cancer Care Center (Attn: Dr. Smiley)
Oaklawn Hospice (MI) (Attn: Joan Wentworth-Hospice RN)
Heartlite Hospice (GA) (Attn: Stephi-Hospice RN)

Obituary provided by Bernhardt Funeral Home.