Donald Lee Brail

Donald Lee Brail, age 93, of Hastings, Michigan, went to Heaven on Tuesday, September 13, 2022.

Don was born July 7, 1929 at Parma, Michigan, the youngest of Howard and Hazel Brail's three sons. He spent his childhood on the family farm in Horton and then Leslie, where he graduated from high school in 1947. After graduation, Don worked in the business office of the Jackson Citizen Patriot newspaper. From 1950-1952, Don served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. Upon his discharge from the Army, he and Haroldine Louise Hartley were married on May 9, 1953 in Parma, Michigan.

In 1964, Don and Haroldine responded to God's call and moved to Iowa to begin a lifetime of Christian ministry. Don became an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church, faithfully serving pastorates in Iowa City, Hamburg, Sioux City and Toddville, Iowa; and Hastings and Zeeland, Michigan. His ministry was notable for the successful building projects and church growth at many of his pastorates. Don led missionary trips to Haiti, and he and Haroldine were blessed to visit the Holy Land. After retiring from full time ministry, Don was active in Senior Adult ministries throughout north Michigan.

The hallmark of Don's life was his love for others. He was a devoted husband and father. Don was a talented artist and floral designer; his family's homes are all decorated with his artwork. He was a generous mentor, an encourager to all, a good and faithful man.

Don is survived by son Bob and Deb Brail of St Charles, Missouri; son Brad and Pam Brail of Warsaw, Indiana; daughter Liz Brail of Hastings; daughter Dawn and Duane Secord of Hastings; seven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Haroldine, in 2021 after 68 years of marriage.

Visitation is planned for 4 to 7 pm Friday, September 23, 2022 at Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Funeral services will be at 11 am Saturday, September 24, 2022 at the Hastings Free Methodist Church, Military Honors provided by American Legion Post 45. A private interment will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Hastings Free Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, to leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.