George D. Hastings, age 97 passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2001 at the Fountain View Retirement Village in Grant. George was born in Central Lake, Michigan on March 10, 1903 and resided in Muskegon most of his life, but had also lived in Boyne City; Flint; Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Fremont. George served in the field artillery of the United States Army during World War I as a map sketcher. He was a life member of the F&A.M. Lodge #131 and Eastern Star; a charter member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians; member of Magic Ring Number 75; Order of Merlin and gave many magic shows over the past 85 years from coast to coast in the air, on land and sea. He was employed at the Norge Division/Borg Warner Corp. in Muskegon and Fort Smith, Arkansas until his retirement in 1967. He was a member of the Fremont United Methodist Church and his many hobbies included painting, magic, jewelry making, traveling, singing, and working on his computer. He enjoyed helping others and was known for his immense patience and positive attitude. He was always ready to entertain you with a magic trick. He married Ruth Hostetler Kile in 1950 and she survives him. He is also survived by a son, Stuart (Roberta) Hastings of Burton, MI; step-daughter, Katy (Alan) Bryant of Bay City, who has always considered him her "Dad"; a daughter-in-law, Jean Hastings of Plymouth, MI; 12 grandchildren, Donald Jr, Michael, Laura Kardell, Brian, Christopher OBrien, Stuart Jr, Steve, Timothy, Amber Bassham, Jeffrey, Todd and Andrew Bryant; 21 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws, Phyllis Hostetler of Fremont, who the family thanks for her unconditional support; Lola Hostetler of Lakeland, FL; Odeyne (Guy) Reppert of Hillsdale, MI; Opal Hastings of Vicksburg, Michigan; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Lorena Hastings; his brothers, Osmond and Grant and 1 sister, Ina Coplas; as well as 2 children, Donald Hastings and Clare OBrien. Also preceding him in death were brother-in-laws, Donald, Robert and Dale Hostetler. Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 24, 2001 from the Fremont United Methodist Church with Rev. Dan Duncan and Rev. George Elliott presiding with interment in the Southern Cemetery in Central Lake, Michigan. Friends may consider the Fremont Area Community Foundation Endowment Fund for the Fremont United Methodist Church or the Bay County Womens Center for memorial contributions. Envelopes and arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home in Fremont. www.crandellfh.com