David L. Halsey

David Lee “Hap” Halsey, age 84, a man who should have been born in the old Wild West, died on February 24, 2020. Hap was born March 7, 1935, in Eaton County to Elmer C. and Rena M. (Scott) Halsey. He grew up in the rural Gresham area, helping on Don Hale’s farm down the road. He applied many skills learned working along with him to those jobs he held throughout his lifetime.
He was a proud, independent man always willing to help others. He could do anything he set his mind to — including welding, carpentry and mechanics — and was a helpful expert while helping others with projects they were working on. He was a gifted storyteller and loved to share stories. His years as a truck driver at Crandell Trucking led him to be an informal foreman and jack of all trades. He not only loved to watch old western movies but had an extensive gun collection. Hap and his wife Gerry loved spending time together at Platte Lake, where the pair built their family cottage. The couple shared a very strong and close relationship. They were meant for each other. Their partnership in running the household was very efficient. He brought the check home, and she handled the family business with an “iron fist.”  She made Hap promise to let her go first, and she did. Geraldine passed away March 27, 2019. He was very close to his granddaughter, and recently took a road trip to Colorado to visit her, as well as his great-granddaughter and great-grandson.
David is survived by his children, David R. Halsey, Douglas E. Halsey, Daniel L. Halsey; grandchildren, Greg, Patrick, Joseph and Erica Cicchinelli; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Geraldine and his parents.
The family will have a graveside service for Hap and Gerry at Woodlawn Cemetery on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow at the Eaton Area Senior Center, 804 S. Cochran Ave. in Charlotte. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Hap on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.