TRAVERSE CITY — Verl E. Gallup, 89, of Traverse City, passed away April 25, 2012, at Orchard Creek Skilled Nursing Facility. Verl was born on Jan. 9, 1923, in Tustin, to the late Otto G. and Eyla (Goodrich) Gallup. After graduating from high school in Honor, Verl enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served our country in World War II. He was a member of the 325th Bombardment Squadron, 92nd Bombardment Group and was honorably discharged in December of 1945. After his time in the service he returned home to Michigan, where he made his home. On April 26, 1937, he married Jean (Robotham) at the Benzonia Congregational Church. Verl owned and operated Verl's Standard at the corner of Front and Barlow for 35 years. During his retirement he enjoyed golfing, tending to his garden and lawn, and visiting animals at the Cherryland Humane Society. Above all else, he enjoyed spending time with his family, and especially his granddaughters. He was voted most involved grandpa and video taped all of their events and activities. He was very proud of his family. Verl was also a member of First Congregational Church. Verl is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Jean; sons, Jim, of Brisbane, Calif., and Ken (Steffanie), of New York, N.Y.; daughter, Virginia, of Traverse City; granddaughters, Jessica and Alexandria, of Chicago, Ill., Shawn Gallup, of Newport News, Va., and Lisa Gardner, of Paw Paw; four great-grandchildren; and sisters, Alice Vandoorne, of Traverse City, and Gladys Evankovich, of Battle Creek. Verl was preceded in death by his two brothers, Maurice and Otto. The funeral celebrating Verl's life will be held on Friday, April 27, 2012, at 3 p.m., with visitation beginning at 2 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens, where Verl will receive military honors from VFW Cherryland Post #2780. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society.Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.