Alan Emory Sawyer Age 88, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2016. He was born August 11, 1927, in Lansing, MI, to Emory and Fern (Boyce) Sawyer. Alan was a lifelong resident of Lansing. Upon graduation from Eastern High School, he joined the U.S. Navy and served as an electronics technician during WWII. He was recalled to serve his country again during the Korean War aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Oriskiny. Between his navy tours of service, Alan attended Michigan State University, where he obtained a degree in mechanical engineering. This led to his employment at General Motors Oldsmobile Division in the Plant Engineering Department for 35 years (and as Alan always added, “20% overtime”). Upon his retirement in 1985, Alan and his wife, Marian, became world travelers. They enjoyed going on cruises and tours to Europe, the Caribbean and within the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Alan loved golf and bowling and was very proud of his 299 and 300 rings (which he obtained at the age of 80), his 298 watch and 26 trophies. He enjoyed having a cottage on Houghton Lake for many years where he did a lot of boating (he built his own boat), fishing, waterskiing, motorcycling and snowmobiling. Alan was an avid sports fan and never missed an opportunity to watch his alma mater, MSU, play.

Surviving are: his beloved wife of 60 years, Marian; his 5 children, Gail, Gary, Gregg (Sandy), Glenn and Geannine; 10 grandchildren, Matthew, Robert (U.S. Navy) (Allison), Jennifer, Haley, Tyler, Gabriel (U.S. Army) (Lisa), Jeremy, Brandon, Dylan and Ethan; 3 great-grandchildren, Robert Jr., Dale and Isabella; and friend, Patrick.

Private services for the family have been held. Marian encourages everyone to give your loved ones a hug and tell them you love them.
--https://estesleadley.com/obituaries/alan-emory-sawyer/

Marian Elaine (Voisin) Frye Sawyer Lansing, MI

In Marian’s words, “Our mom decided to write her own obituary. So this is the story of her life. Some may be surprised when they read this.”

I, Marian Elaine Sawyer, was born May 8, 1928, and departed this earth August 12, 2020. My parents were Willard and Helen Voisin. I had one sibling, a brother, Russell W. Voisin, who died June 4, 2015.

I lived my entire life in Lansing except for a brief time in North Carolina and 5 ½ years in East Lansing.

I graduated from J.W. Sexton High School in 1946 and went to work for the Board of Education.

In 1947 I met a young man by the name of Francis E. Frye. We were married on August 28, 1948. He was an ex-Marine in the reserves and consequently was called back into active duty. He was then stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. I also lived there with him. I lost my beloved Francis, June 21, 1951, in a tragic accident when a live mortar missile was fired accidently at the wrong time. Francis was only 25.

In March 1952, I was blessed with my beautiful “miracle” baby girl. I named her Gail Frances.

In 1954, I met my second love, an ex-Navy man by the name of Alan E. Sawyer. We were married on July 16, 1955. Alan adopted my precious Gail and she became his first daughter.

As uncanny as it is, I must point out the similarities between my two loves. Both were blonde and blue eyed. Both were only 17 when they enlisted in the service and both served our country in World War II. Both were in the reserves and were called back to active duty.

Francis was studying to be an engineer at Michigan State University. Alan graduated as an engineer from Michigan State University.

Alan and I were blessed with four more children: sons Gary, Gregg (Sandra), and Glenn, and another daughter, Geannine. All five children survive me.

I am also survived by ten grandchildren: Matthew, Robert (U.S. Navy) (Allison), Jennifer, Haley, Tyler, Gabriel (former U.S. Army) (Lisa), Jeremy (U.S. Air Force), Brandon (Krista), Dylan, and Ethan; and five great-grandchildren: Robert Jr., Dale, Isabella, Jackson, and Levi.

Also survived by two nieces, Darcel and Debra, and one nephew, Mark.

After Alan retired from GMC, we traveled extensively throughout Europe and went on many cruises with our dear friends Marva and Ed. We spent many wonderful years with our family at our place on Houghton Lake.

I lost Alan, my second love, on February 16, 2016, after 60 ½ years. What a blessing to be able to spend that much time together. I am now at peace and reunited with my two loves.

My only regret in leaving is that a family dispute has never been resolved.

I want to thank the current and previous staff at The Willows at East Lansing: Danielle, Tammy, Jamie, Jordan, Lacey, Jean, Cindy, Kari, Lanette, and many others. Also a thank you to my “card playing buddies,” Lynn and Betty for helping me survive the last years of my life, and to Sue, my friend and dining room table mate, for always providing lively conversation.

To my granddaughter, Jennifer, thank you for all the cards and gifts you sent to cheer me up.

Also, thank you to my son, Glenn, for always being there. You are a great son.

Last, but not least, I want to thank my amazing daughter, Gail, for helping me, for always being by my side and taking care of me. No one could ask for a better daughter.

In closing, I am repeating what Alan’s obituary said: “Give your loved ones a hug today and tell them you love them.”

As per my wishes, private services have been held.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

--https://estesleadley.com/obituaries/marian-elaine-voisin-frye-sawyer/