Albert Deal

Albert Deal

Albert Louis Deal, 93, of Spring Lake, a summer cottage owner at Brevort, was a World War II veteran who had a distinguished 40-year career in public education in Michigan, and was inducted to the Michigan Education Hall of Fame. Mr. Deal passed away Thursday, February 14, 2008, at North Ottawa Community Hospital in Grand Haven.

He was born October 27, 1914, in LaGrange County, Indiana, to Fred Gage and Carlie Parthena (nee Grubb) Deal.

Following graduation from Kalamazoo College with a bachelor's degree in history, he went on to earn a master's degree in educational administration from the University of Michigan.

Mr. Deal was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Naval Armed Guard in World War II, during which he saw duty in both the Atlantic and Pacific war operations.

His career in public education included serving with four Michigan public school districts as superintendent. He was active with the Michigan Association of School Administrators. For 20 years, he was commissioner of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and had served as member, vice president, and president of the Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

In 1987, he was presented an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Olivet College. The following year, Mr. Deal was inducted into the Michigan Education Hall of Fame. In 1995, he was voted into Kalamazoo College's Athletic Hall of Fame.

He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, R.C. Hathaway Lodge 387 F.S.A.M. of Caledonia, B.P.O.E. 1381 of Sturgis, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Grand Rapids, American Legion Post 28 in Grand Haven, and Michigan Sport Sages.

He is survived by his wife, Connie; three daughters and their families, Ann VandenBerg, Emily Dood, and Martha Butler; four stepsons and their families, Richmond and Cindy Jones, Douglas Jones, Dr. Donald and Maryvic Cuison Jones, all of Spring Lake, and Craig and Lisa Jones of Vero Beach, Florida, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services were held Sunday, February 17, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Grand Haven, with the Reverend John Hills officiating. Military honors were provided by American Legion Post 28.

Memorials may be directed to St. John's Episcopal Church.