WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Raymond W. Saxman, age 69, of Colon, passed away Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, unexpectedly at his home.
Ray was born Nov. 16, 1940, in Battle Creek a son of the late Wesley H. and Gertrude C. (Cooley) Saxman.
Ray had made his home in the Leonidas and Colon area all his life and at his home on Long Lake since 1968. He graduated from Colon High School with the class of 1959.
On Sept. 13, 1963, he married Marilyn Bauder in Leonidas.
Ray was active in township activities. In the past he had served on the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Board of Review. Presently he was a Township Trustee, and served on the Fire Board and Lake Board. He was an active member of the Colon Masonic Lodge #73 for 35 years, where he was presently serving as Secretary. He had served as Master in 2002, also as Senior Warden and Chaplin. He was a past member of the Colon Eastern Star, where he had served as secretary. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion.
Ray was active with numerous fundraisers for scholarships, local school activities and members of the community who were in need.
Earlier in life he had played for the Orange Machine fast pitch softball team as catcher. He enjoyed bowling, golf, hunting, fishing and especially attending sporting events of his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn of Colon; children Debbie (Gary) Herman of Bronson, Michael (Colleen) Saxman of Colon, Laurie Saxman of Colon, Jackie Bowdish of Colon and Bob (Kerri) Saxman of Schoolcraft; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, James L. (Linda) Saxman of Leonidas; three sisters, Judith (Carl) Quirin of Sturgis, Kathryn (Leon) Barrett of Colon and Mary Ellen (Sam) Otterpohl of Land O’ Lakes, Wis.; stepmother Dorothy Saxman of Leonidas; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Schipper Funeral Home in Colon, with a Masonic Service taking place at 8 p.m. Funeral services celebrating the life of Raymond W. Saxman will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Factoryville Bible Church in Factoryville, with Mr. David J. Farrell officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Colon.
If desired, memorials may be made in memory of Ray to the family. Envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.
