WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Darel E. Saxman, age 82, of Mendon, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo after a long illness, with his family at his side. Darel was born at home on November 29, 1940 in Leonidas, the son of Kenneth and Bessie (Dove) Saxman. Darel was employed as a pump repairman for L & S Pump Service in Leonidas and would later go on to own and operate the business. He owned the business until 2022 and was still doing some work up to the last few weeks before he passed. He was a Member of the Three Rivers Moose Lodge #474, enjoyed fishing, working in his yard, and was a volunteer fireman for the Leonidas Fire Department. If anyone needed help, you could count on Darel to help.
Darel is survived by his wife, Robin VanOstran; children, Vicky Williams, Michael Saxman, Edward Saxman, Kimberly (Jeremy) Crawford, Melinda Fowler, Tracie (Kevin) Yoder; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; siblings, Bernard (Pat), Saxman, Albert (Lorraine) Saxman; his in-laws, Ronnie (Marilyn) Stafford, Ken (Connie) Stafford, Mike (Diane) Stafford, Bonnie (John) Preston; Linda (Pat) Sypult and Cathy (Al) Watts; his former wife and mother of his children, Diane Saxman; his best friend, Lee Smittendorf; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Darel’s life at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 27, 2023, at the family home, 52158 Tonya Drive, Mendon, MI 49072.
While visiting Darel’s webpage at amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
The family is being cared for by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes Vicksburg Chapel, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097. (269) 649-1697.
