Dennis Ray Saylor

      Dennis Ray Saylor, age 82, of Bannister, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the Hospice House of Shiawassee County, with his family by his side.

      Per his wishes, after cremation a private family graveside service will take place.

      Dennis was born on September 3, 1940, the son of Roy and Mary (Gander) Saylor.  Dennis attended Ashley Area Schools, graduating with the Class of 1958.  Dennis drove school bus for Ovid-Elsie Area Schools from 1965-1978.  He also worked for Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) from 1962 retiring in 2003.  He played softball for the Bannister Boozers for many years in his younger days.  He enjoyed playing euchre, hunting, fishing, gardening, canning, and telling jokes.  Dennis spent many years in Manistique at deer camp with his family.  He enjoyed fishing at Fletchers Pond in Hillman, MI and his many trips fishing on Dog Lake in Missanabie, Ontario, Canada.  Dennis enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandkids and great-grandkids who were the light of his life.  He rarely ever missed one of their events from elementary music programs to sporting events.  He traveled to Italy in 2018, to visit Lorenza, one of his daughters exchange students.

      He is survived by his sons: Mike (Sarah) Saylor of Ovid, MI; Doug (Deb) Saylor of DeWitt, MI; his daughters: Susan (Jerry) Fouts of Bancroft, MI; and Jennifer (Mark) Alverson of Denver, CO; his nine grandchildren: Nova Saylor, Lily Saylor, Denny Saylor, Keith Saylor, Dani Viglianco, Jamie (Keith) Perry, Tony Viglianco, Hannah (Daniel) Jennings, and Chloe Alverson; and two great-grandchildren: Levi Perry and Macelynne Viglianco.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Vern Saylor and Robert Saylor, two sisters and brothers-in-law: Janet and Marshall Bensinger, and Nancy and Don Hinkley.

      Memorials may be made to the Hospice House of Shiawassee County, 2005 Copas Road Owosso, MI 48867, www.shiawasseehospice.org.  Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.