William T. Gawne, age 84 years, passed away on September 11, 2014, at his home. He was born in Midland, Michigan on March 26, 1930, one of seven children born to Grafton and Gladys (Dues) Gawne. Bill served in the United States Army and worked 30 years for the Buick Division of General Motors, retiring in 1980. He loved restoring antique cars, especially his Model T, and enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and spending time with family and friends. Bill was a life-long and valued member of the Vassar Eagles No. 2380.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, the former Betty J. Craig, four children: William E. Gawne, Richard Gawne, Cheryl (Rick) Olsen and Brian (fiancé, Canemi) Gawne, a very special family supporter, Pennie Schoenow, his grandchildren: T.J., Candi (Josh), Richard, Jon, Michael (Kristi), Chad (Danely) Matt (Alicia) and Victoria, his great-grandchildren: Garrett, Taylor, Grant, Alyssa, Makenzi, Natalie, Isabella, Mallory, Lily Anna and Ariana, his brothers: Cy (Bonnie) and Jerry (Pat), and a sister, Margaret. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, George and his sisters: Betty and Bernice.
Funeral service will be on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Penzien-Steele Funeral Home, 149 N. Main St., Vassar. The Rev. Cathy Christman will officiate. Burial will follow in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens in Saginaw. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 3-8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family for a memorial fund to be established in Bill’s name.