John Lawrence Mulford

John (Jack) L. Mulford moved on to his permanent residence with his Lord on October 2, 2018 at age 93 surrounded by family and friends.
Jack was born to James D. and Nellie M. Mulford on May 22, 1925 in Independence, MO.  He enlisted in the Navy April 1943, served aboard the LST 503 in the Atlantic area for a short time, then on board the LST 575 and USS Wythe (APB41) in the Asiatic Pacific, Philippines, Okinawa and China. Jack was proud of his country and proud to have served it well.  Wartime medals include American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific, Philippines  Liberation, World War II Victory medal , China Service, Navy Occupation and Republic of China War Memorial. After his 1946 discharge from active duty while touring the Western US, he met the love of his life, Hazel Rice in San Francisco and married her March 28, 1947. Three children were born to this union, Irene, Thomas and Mark.  His employment with several companies required moving several times before he moved to Lakeside, MT in late 1962 to help manage Bell Mfg. Co. He has lived in the Flathead all but 7 years since then.
Jack and his wife of 71 years, Hazel attended Kalispell Christian Church (Family Life) where his sometimes gruff nature earned him the affectionate “Grump pa Jack” as his church name tag read and as he was known to many children over the 40+ years of his time worshiping and serving.  
He spent many years volunteering at the church camp at lake Mary Ronan always fixing and repairing. His “flap Jacks” were always a big hit.
Jack volunteered at and supported the kids at Pinehaven Christian Children’s Ranch and made an annual trip to help the kids make his special recipe of Peanut Brittle.  
Peanut Brittle was Jack’s labour of love. He made thousands of pounds over the years and his friends and family eagerly awaited our Christmas tin.
Residents at Lighthouse Christian Home will miss his 4 wheeler rides, homemade ice cream, long visits and lessons on all things related to vehicles.
Jack loved to travel. He and Hazel went on many many adventures. In 2002 they participated in the restoration of the LST-325 and he was awarded the honorary title of “Admiral”
Until recently he enjoyed his annual hunting trip to Eastern Montana with his Daughter, Irene, son-in-law, Gordon, his grandchildren and Great grandchildren.
Jack was always fixing. Once, asked to what he attributed the success of his 70+ year marriage he answered “I grew up in the depression, when something broke, you fixed it.” and that was pretty much how he approached life.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, a sister, a grandchild and his youngest son, Mark.  He is survived by his wife Hazel of 71 years, daughter Irene and husband Gordon of Kalispell, son Thomas and wife Nila of Billings,  8 grandchildren , and 15 great-grandchildren.
All Services will be on Friday Oct. 12, 2018 beginning with a Visitation from 9:00am – 11:00am at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home followed by a Graveside Service at Conrad Cemetery at 12:15pm followed by a 1:30pm Memorial Service held at Family Life Christian Church, 1075 Foys Lake Rd., Kalispell.  Reception and refreshments to follow.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Pinehaven Christian Children’s Ranch,  Box 940, St Ignatious, MT 59865-0940, or LightHouse Christian Home, 384 N. Somers Rd., Kalispell, MT 59901.

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