Obituary for Carol Franklin Gault

Carol Franklin “Carl” Gault, 81, died January 10, 2010 while a resident of the Lamoni Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lamoni, IA. Carol Franklin “Carl” Gault was born in Flint, Michigan, on April 9, 1928. Carl and his five sisters were raised near Flint Park Lake by their mother, Laura Amanda (Burge) Gault. Carl entered the Merchant Marines at the age of 15 and the U.S. Navy at 17. He was honorably discharged following his service in the Korean Conflict. Carl met his bride, Holly Marie Lawrence, in the Hamilton Avenue Branch of The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) in Flint in 1955. Holly and Carol were married at Christmastime, 1959. Carl worked as a machine repairman at the General Motors V8 Engine Plant in Flint. He was known by his friends there as the jolly green giant—for his green overalls, his height and his friendly manner. Carl retired in 1990, after 36 years of service. Because he loved the outdoors, Carl bought a raspberry and Christmas tree farm in 1971. The farm on Gillette Road in Flushing, Michigan, is where he and Holly raised their three children. Carl served as a lay minister in the Community of Christ (formerly RLDS) throughout his adult life. He also worked with the youth in the church as a Sunday School teacher and mentor. Carl was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1990. Carl was preceded in death by his mother, Laura; father, Tom; and four of his sisters, Verna, Vaneta, Velnora and Frieda. He leaves a legacy of friends and family, including his wife, Holly; son Paul Franklin Gault of Glendale, California; daughter Margaret Ellen “Mandy” Kolesik of Lamoni, Iowa; and son Eric Stephen Gault of Swartz Creek, Michigan; grandson Aaron Kolesik and granddaughter Leigha Kolesik of Lamoni, Iowa; and grandson Stephen Gault of Swartz Creek, Michigan and his sister, Violet. A Celebration Service will be held in March at the Community of Christ congregation in Clio, Michigan. Online condolences may be left at www.iowacremation.com