Edwin Sawdon

Edwin G. Sawdon, 85, of St. Clair, went into eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, April 17, 2015. Edwin was born in Port Huron to James and Caroline Sawdon on December 21, 1929, shortly after the start of the depression. Growing up in Port Huron he made good use of the library and was mechanically creative at a young age, having Thomas Edison as his role model. Upon graduation from Port Huron High School in January 1948, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served our country fighting in the Korean War. He participated in the landing at Inchon and at the Chosin Reservoir battle, earning two purple hearts. Upon his return home, he enrolled in a correspondence course to learn commercial art and completed a tool & die design apprenticeship at Mueller Brass Company. During his time at Mueller Brass he met and married Sally Witzke and moved to Marysville. Later, he honed his design skills working at Haven Manufacturing where he met Milus Allison. In 1966 they started BTM Corporation. Edwin was able to exercise his creative and entrepreneurial skills resulting in patented inventions which are sold the world over. After being introduced to aviation in his early teens, Edwin later became an accomplished sailplane pilot and met his close friends Bob Bienstein, Loris Charchian, Herb Franke and Wenmouth Williams. During this time he was able to attain the highest (diamond) level of achievement in the Soaring Society of America. His later years of soaring included trips to Poland and Australia. He was also involved with the Friends of the Airport Association at St. Clair County Airport. There he enjoyed the camaraderie of many fine people with whom he enjoyed the sport of flying and had many interesting discussions. He also enjoyed the “cheers” group at the Voyager in St. Clair where he had many friends whom he received much support from in his later years. He is survived by his son, Stephen (Jeanne) Sawdon; his beloved grandchildren, James (Kristen) Sawdon and Katherine (Jared) Griest; two great grandchildren, Annie and Clara; and a sister-in-law, Susan Sawdon. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Elaine Schroeder, Shirley Chateau, Jean, Richard, Jack and Terry Sawdon. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday in the Marysville Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 20, 2015 in the Marysville Funeral Home. The Reverend Dallas Berry will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Water Hospice.