Virgil James Sawyer, Jr.

Virgil James Sawyer Jr., age 87, of Portage passed away February 28, 2023. He was born November 9, 1935 in La Porte, Indiana to the late Virgil James Sawyer Sr. and Edith Esther (Cowell) Sawyer.

Virgil served in the United States Army and worked for the Kalamazoo State Hospital, retiring from there. Virgil loved to go fishing and loved his family dearly.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joyce Sawyer; son, David Sawyer; and siblings, John Sawyer, Robert Sawyer, and Donna Thrasher.

He is survived by his son, Michael (Mary) Sawyer; daughter, Debra Sawyer; significant other, Ella Blade, and her children, Paul and Kathy Brown; and several grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place and a committal service with military honors will occur Friday, March 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd, Augusta, MI 49012. Those wishing to attend are asked to arrive in the funeral lineup area at 12:45 PM.

Donations in Virgil’s memory may be made to Disabled American Veterans.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.