Goodrich, Mich. – Reginald L. Sawtelle, of Jay, died early Friday, Dec. 19, at Genesys Hospice after a long illness.

He was born in Oakland, July 20, 1923, a son of Roy D. and Georgia M. (Gerry) Sawtelle.

He graduated from Wilton Academy in 1941, where he was active in sports, earning many letters and trophies and continued winning trophies playing golf for many years after he graduated.

In 1942, he married Shirley Eaton in Jay and they had three children, Reginald L. Jr., Dennis G., and Donalie S.

He worked for the Wilton Woolen Mill and while there was called for military service during World War II, serving from 1943 to 1945.

After the war, he returned to the woolen mill and worked there until it closed in the 1950s and then moved to Michigan and worked for General Motors for nearly 30 years, retiring in 1981.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by a son Dennis and his wife, Kim, of Ocala, Fla.; and a daughter, Donalie of Toledo, Ohio; a brother, Rodney and his wife, Frances, of Wilton; and a sister, Dorothy, of Jay; he is also survived by six grandchildren, Dale, Lori, Lisa, James, Troy and Juanita; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley; a son, Reginald L. Jr.; and five brothers, Leopaul L., David A., Woodruff E., Roy L., and Lawrence R.; and one sister, Caroline E.