Eugene "Gene" Sawyer

Eugene A. “Gene” Sawyer age 83 of Rockford went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at American House, Kentwood. He was born November 7, 1940 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Herbert and Florence (Newton) Sawyer. Gene had over 40 years in the Insurance industry and retired from Fremont Insurance as a Sr. Vice-President of Claims and a member of the Board of Directors. He graduated from Rockford High School where he played football and baseball, and served as sports editor for his school newspaper. They called him Buzz Sawyer when he played minor-league baseball immediately following high school, before he accepted a football scholarship to Michigan State. The aviation bug bit during college. He operated assorted flying services, including charter, training, maintenance, crop dusting, aircraft sales, sea and bush plane operations, even aerobatics. At Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music, he taught missionary aviation to bush pilots flying in 22 countries. When he was away from the office and board room, Gene enjoyed the outdoors, recreational flying and time with his family. Surviving are his wife, Shirley, who he married on September 24, 1984; daughters, Sue Reynolds, Jennifer (Mike) Kossick, Laura Gabriel; grandchildren, Sawyer Reynolds, Teddi Reynolds, Georgie Reynolds, Madeline Kossick, Lindsey Kossick, Olivia Gabriel, Maxwell Gabriel, Madison Gabriel, Nicklas Gabriel, Samantha Gabriel; 8 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The family will greet friends Monday, August 12 from 1:00 pm until time of service at 2:00 pm at Bella Vista Church, 5100 Belding Road, Rockford. Pastor Chad Vitarelli officiating. Private interment Algoma Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Missions Fund at Bella Vista Church. Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.