Neugene "Gene" Hall

Gene was born on December 2, 1944, in Galveston, Kentucky, to Edward and Verda Hall. At the age of seven, he moved with his family to Ypsilanti, Michigan, where his adventurous spirit and love of athletics began to shine. He attended Lincoln High School, where he ran track and field and proudly set a state record in pole vaulting. He continued his education at Washtenaw Community College.

From 1964 to 1967, Gene honorably served in the United States Army, including deployment to Cu Chi, Vietnam, from 1966 to 1967. His military service reflected the courage, resilience, and sense of duty that defined his character. He remained connected to his fellow veterans throughout his life, holding memberships in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Legion, and serving as a VFW Chaplain.

Following his military service, Gene built a career in the petroleum industry. He began as a truck driver with Pure Oil and remained with the company as it transitioned into Citgo Petroleum, eventually becoming Terminal Manager in Romulus, Michigan.

Gene was first married to Marcia Baptist with whom he had a son, Matthew. On June 19, 1982, he married Sandra Sauters, beginning a partnership marked by devotion, laughter, and unwavering support. Together they raised their daughters, Sarah and Leslie, along with Matthew.

Gene was devoted to his family and deeply involved in the lives of his three children. He taught them to hunt and shoot, instilled in them an appreciation for nature, coached their track and field teams, and even served as a Girl Scouts leader and robotics mentor, generously giving his time to guide, teach, and support his children’s interests and passions.

A true outdoorsman, Gene found great happiness in nature and in creating things with his hands. His favorite place was Up North in Kalkaska, where he and Sandy built their barn by hand. The whole family loved spending time there together, where he walked the land and planted trees, ensuring beauty for future generations. He loved hunting, fishing, archery, camping, gardening, and cooking. Gene enjoyed watching Michigan football and cheering on the Tigers. Whether starting a homegrown tomato stand, cooking up venison stew, leading night hikes to star gaze, or finding the seasonal road that led to a path less taken, Gene expressed his love through action. His quick sense of humor left behind countless stories that will be shared for generations.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Hall; his children Matthew (Carrie) Hall, Sarah (Kevin Schlacht) Hall, and Leslie (Brian Kujawski) Hall; and his grandchildren Brendon Truxall, Kaitlyn Truxall, Amadeus Hall, and Raphael Hall. He is also survived by his siblings Roy (Bonnie) Hall, Clyde (Nancy) Hall, and Eddie (Sherry) Hall, as well as many family members and dear friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Verda Hall, and his siblings Rufus Hall, Malone (Joanie) Hall, Bascom (Sue) Hall, Douglas “Mac” Hall, Polly (Ray) Jones, and Kenny (Julie) Hall.

A memorial dinner will be held Jan 31st; details will be shared with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, Gene’s love for the outdoors may be honored by contributing to the National Park Foundation (NPF) at https://www.nationalparks.org/

Gene will be remembered as an adventurous, funny, courageous, and deeply patient man who emanated calmness regardless of what life threw his way. He was a husband, father, grandfather, veteran, mentor, and friend who lived fully and though he has departed this world, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the values he modeled.