Royal Matthew Hazel

ROYAL MATTHEW HAZEL, age 85 of Davison, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at his residence. A celebration of Royal's life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at the Mumford-Hudson Funeral Home, Otisville, with burial to follow in Flint Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Thursday, January 4, 2018 from 5PM-8PM and on Friday, January 5, 2018 from 2PM-8PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Project Kid Sight, Forever Sight, Leader Dog for the Blind or a charity of your choice. Royal was born on March 1, 1932 in Grant Twp., Benzie, MI. He was the son of Matthew and Maybell (Rickett) Hazel. He graduated in 1950 from Owosso High School and proudly served as a corporal in the U.S. Army and Military police unit and was stationed at West Point, NY. He received the National Defense Service Medial as well as the Good Conduct Medal. Royal married Carolyn Jane Bennett in Owosso on September 5, 1953. He worked for 38 years for Terstedt Fisher Body on Coldwater Rd., retiring in 1992. He was a member and past President of the Otisville Lions Club, district 11 D-1 for 45 years. He was very passionate about the kid sight program through the Lions Club. Royal was an avid bowler going to several state competitions. He also enjoyed dancing, hunting, fishing, gardening, and woodworking until his stroke in 2015. The stroke slowed him down but he never gave up. Royal is survived by his 6 children: Cheryl (Richard) Voelker, Louise Renshaw, Dean Hazel, Amy (Chuck) Hugo, Julie (Mickey) Taylor, and Mark Hazel (Laurie O'Connor); 16 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; and siblings: Loren (Sandra), Merrell (Patricia), and Helen. He was preceded in death by his wife, C. Jane Hazel; brother, Stanley; great grandson, Brian; and his parents. Royal will be deeply missed by his children, best friend, Sally Kimes and family, and many other family and friends.