Donald Walker Sawyer, Jr.

Donald Walker Sawyer Jr. 71, of Harrisville, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 24, 2008. Born on June 20, 1937 to Donald and Florence (Standen) Sawyer in Detroit, he graduated from Clawson High School. He furthered his education at Michigan State University, and did his graduate work at the University of Southern California. Don made his career with the United States Air Force, serving in the Vietnam War. On January 26, 1974 he married Cynthia Jean Moring in Montgomery AL. They moved to Virginia, where Don was stationed with the Pentagon. He retired from the USAF as a Full Colonel, and went to work in program management at Robbins-Gioia. Don and C.J. retired to Harrisville in 1993. Don was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Lincoln. He sang in the church choir, and was able to play the piano and several stringed instruments. Don was very people oriented, and enjoyed an active retirement including boating, gunsmithing, and hunting. He was a member of the Harrisville VFW post #6466, and was a past president of the Alcona Historical Society. He is survived by his wife C.J., son Jeffrey (Masako) Sawyer of Hawaii, daughter Christine (Jim) Driscoll of New Jersey, three grandchildren Haley, Gillian, and Neve Driscoll of New Jersey, brother Thomas (Judy) Sawyer of Troy, niece Pam (Mike) German of Troy, and his former wife Jacqueline (Frost) Sawyer. Mr. Sawyer is at Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln, where visitation will take place on Sunday, June 29 from 12 noon until 4:00pm. Visitation continues on Monday, June 30, at 10:00 am until the Funeral Service at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church in Lincoln. Rev. Arie Van Brenk will officiate. Burial will be in Springport Cemetery, Harrisville, with military honors. Memorials suggested to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 100, Lincoln MI 48742. www.gilliesfuneralhomes.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Walker Sawyer, Jr., please visit our flower store.