Paul Festian

Paul Festian of Caro, age 86, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2014 at United Hospice Residence in Marlette. He was born January 19, 1928 in Detroit, the son of the late George and Maria (Marian) Festian, and came to the area from Lincoln Park in August of 1968. Paul served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II and for part of the Korean Conflict. He was united in marriage with the former Barbara Ellen Hallock on February 28, 1953, and she preceded him in death on May 21, 2001. He then married Alice (Crittenden) Traster on February 18, 2006, and she survives him. Paul was employed in housekeeping and as a cook at the Caro Regional Center from 1970 until 1988, and drove school bus for thirty-seven years, retiring from Caro Community Schools in 1994. He was a member of the Caro First Baptist Church and served in its AWANA Club for many years, was a life member of Caro VFW Post #4164 and its Honor Guard, the Disabled American Veterans and the Caro Lions Club. Paul will be remembered as a social person that loved sharing stories with those around him. He was also deeply connected with his church family, was a lifelong New York Yankees fan and enjoyed walking the Mackinac Bridge annually. Paul is survived by his wife, Alice Festian of Caro; two daughters, two sons and their spouses, Patricia & Donald Carlisle, Jr. of Caro, Gregory & Kara Festian of Caro, Paul & Jennifer Festian of Tacoma, Washington, Lisa Hutchins and her fianc, Chad Polmanteer of Davison; three step-children, Ruth & Larry Simonye, Steven & Christina Traster, Lori & Matt Price; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; ten step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by thirteen siblings; and one step-son, Karl Elroy Traster. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2014 at the Caro First Baptist Church with Rev. Ronald C. Wigand officiating. Burial will follow at the Almer Township Cemetery in Caro with Military Honors rendered by the Caro VFW Post #4164 and the U.S. Navy. The family will receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Caro First Baptist Church Mission Fund. Visitation Information Date: Thursday, March 6, 2014 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Friday, March 7, 2014 Time: 11:00 am Caro First Baptist Church Address: Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2014 at the Caro First Baptist Church with Rev. Ronald C. Wigand officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Friday, March 7, 2014 Burial will follow at the Almer Township Cemetery in Caro with Military Honors rendered by the Caro VFW Post #4164 and the United States Navy.