Michael D. Hall

Richmond, Township, - Michael D. Hall, age 53, died unexpectedly on Sunday, August 9, 2009, at his home. He was born on December 30, 1955 in Warren, Ohio the son of Joan M. (Hart) and John Lawrence Hall. A 1974 graduate of Grand Valley High School, Mike was a resident of Richmond Center since 1992 and was formerly of Hartsgrove and Orwell. Mike attended North Church of Orwell and Richmond Methodist Church where he was active in leading their youth groups. He helped coach baseball and soccer, was active in helping with 4-H horses. Mike loved his job with the Ohio Department of Transportation and was due to retire on September 30th of this year after thirty-one years of service. He was a member of Ashtabula County Antique Engine Club, the Handy Man Club of America, the History Channel Club and a life member of the NRA. Mike volunteered for the Windsor Fire Department and helped the Mesopotamia Fire Department get their start. "The Big Fuzzy Guy" loved his family and doted on his grandchildren, and was rivaled only by his passion for history. He was a Civil War living historian and reenacted as a Saddler Sergeant with the 13th Virginia Cavalry and the 50th New York Engineers. A skilled and determined master craftsman, Mike could make anything out of leather, was handy with metal and did blacksmith work, was able to fix anything and enjoyed photography, history, fishing and woodworking. Born to be a teacher, he gave his knowledge to those who were willing to listen and excelled at everything he tried. He was a member of the Scottish Clan Buchanan and had a beautiful singing voice. Mike is preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Clifford C. Artman. Survivors include his wife of twenty-eight years and the love of his life, Joanne M. Artman; three sons, Matthew C. (Cathryn) Hall of Wayne, Ohio, Peter A. (Melissa) Hall of Niles, Ohio, and Daniel R. Hall; a daughter, Brittany M. (Edward) Zarczynski of Williamsfield, Ohio; a sister, Laura R. Hall of Newbury, Ohio; a brother, Kelly L. (Janice) Hall of West Farmington, Ohio; five grandchildren, Michael, Rebecca, Jacob, Benjamin and Cecelia and his mother-in-law Mary Artman. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 11:00am at Baumgardner Funeral Home, 134 Prospect Street, Andover, Ohio. Burial will follow in Richmond Center Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, August 11th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm and from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jeffrey Meddock Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1180, Andover, Ohio, 44003, attn. Pat Smith. Guestbook available at www.baumgardnerfuneralhomes.com

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