William "Bill" J. Saxton, 78, of Traverse City, passed away Monday, January 28, 2019 at Munson Hospice House.

Bill was born on the family farm in Kingsley on October 4, 1940 to the late Oliver and Rosetta (VanPelt) Saxton. He graduated from Kingsley High School in 1959. Honorably, Bill served in the Army Reserves.

On April 24, 1965, he married Esther Marie Sharnowski at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cedar, MI. Together they lovingly raised four wonderful daughters.

Bill worked as a carpenter for many years. He loved bowling, fishing, time with his family, and dancing with his wife.

In 1988, Bill suffered a closed head injury after a devastating fall off of high scaffolding. Only given a few years to live, Bill beat the odds and lived many years longer than any doctor thought possible. Esther took amazing care of him over the past 30 years. Every Tuesday, up until last May, they would meet their friends at Leelanau Sands Casino for live polka music and dancing. He continued to enjoy dancing, even in his wheel chair.

Bill could always be seen in a funny statement tee and will always be remembered for his sharp sense of humor that never diminished.

Surviving Bill is his wife Esther of 53 devoted years; daughters, Michele (Angelo) Vozza, Marie "Roxanne" Saxton (Saul Dobson) , Rebecca Saxton (Jim Jeffery), Barbara Saxton; grandchildren Angelo III, Dante, and Massimo; siblings, Wayne Saxton (Mae), Vanita Heim, Valita (Raymond) Wolf; beloved grand-dog Sammy, and many other family members and friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his in-laws, Dave Heim and Donna Saxton.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Kelly and Rusty Ackerman of the French Manor and Todd Neinhouse of Agevix for years of love and care for Bill.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Bill on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 11am with a visitation held one hour prior at St. Francis Catholic Church. Burial will take place in the spring at the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for one to pay it forward to the Munson Hospice House. Kindly share thoughts and memories with Bill's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .