Roger W. Lakin

Roger W. Lakin, age 89, of Lowell, formerly of Belding, passed away to lay in the arms of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. He was born into life on August 18, 1935, in Portland, Michigan, a son of Harold D. and Mabel (Meade) Lakin, both of whom preceded him in death. Roger graduated from Portland High with the Class of 1954, and completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Michigan State University. He married the love of his life, Carol Ann Sawyer, exchanging vows with her on June 27, 1959, at Portland Baptist Church and enjoyed 56 years of marriage prior to her death in 2016. They relocated to California where he earned a Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering in San Jose, California, and worked in the Aerospace industry throughout his career, retiring in the late 1990’s. Roger’s retirement gave him the opportunity to pursue several life-long dreams including extensive big-water boating trips aboard his 45 foot Hatteras cruiser, and motorcycle trips to Alaska and other beautiful locations across the country. He never lost his passion for electronics and was an active member of a H.A.M. Radio Operators club, where he built, repaired and tested radios, and trained other members on how to be successful Operators. It was not unlike him to decide he needed an easier way to accomplish a mundane task, so he would acquire the necessary components and write the code or develop and app to, for example, operate his snowplow with a joystick or turn a light on and off from his phone. Among his many passions, he loved nature, which led him to starting a Christmas Tree Farm, that he and his family operated for many years. Roger served on the Belding City Council for several terms and was elevated to Mayor for several years as well. He was a great conversationalist who was engaging to talk to and was a great friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Roger was a devoted member of Smyrna Bible Church for nearly 50 years, helping the church in many ways over the years. 

Roger leaves his loving children, Timothy C. Lakin of Belding and Cheri Ann (Brent) Westberg of Rochester Hills, to cherish his memory and legacy; and his dear granddaughters, Rachel and Alyssa Westberg; several brothers- and sisters-in-law, Janet M. Lakin of Portland, OE, Janet L. Lakin and Noel Babbitt, and Tod Sims all of Portland, MI, Thomas (Debbie) Sawyer of Fenwick, MI, and Lawrence (Rosalie) Sawyer of West Virginia; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his spouse and parents, he was preceded in death by his four siblings, Barbara Sherwood, Douglas Lakin, James Lakin, and Kenneth Lakin; sisters-in-law, Constance Bennett, Rebecca Sims, and Marge Lakin; and a brother-in-law Wayne Sherwood. 

Visitation and Funeral Services will take place on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Smyrna Bible Church, 4864 Whites Bridge Road, Belding, Michigan, with Pastor Roger Tahtinen officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM and the Funeral will begin at 12 Noon. Private Graveside Prayers will take place at Smyrna Cemetery where Roger will be laid to rest next to Carol. Memorial contributions are recommended to Smyrna Bible Church. Envelopes and additional service information are available by contacting Verdun Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services at (616) 794-1300 or www.verdunfh.com.