Clarence William Olmstead

Clarence William "Bill" Olmstead, age 89, of Lawton, passed away April 12, 2016. He was born February 17, 1927 in Nashville, MI, to the late Clarence and Ethel (Truxton) Olmstead. He is survived by his wife, Marylin (Stanton) Olmstead, two sons, William C. (Sandy) Olmstead and Brian (Jill) Olmstead. Bill was preceded in death by his close cousin, Jerry Johnson. Bill served his country in the Army, he and Marylin remained in Nashville, MI, for many years where Bill served as a volunteer fireman, and he and Marylin owned an ice cream parlor. Bill became interested in manufacturing and moved Marylin and his two boys to the Kalamazoo area, where job opportunities were more plentiful. The next move was to Lawton Michigan, where he decided to farm, and purchased a grape and asparagus farm. Bill, Marylin and the boys were welcomed into the community, and with the help of new friends and neighbors, the farm was successful.
Bill retired after many years of service working as an engineer at Arco Industries in Schoolcraft. He was a man of many talents. Bill enjoyed restoring antiques. He and Marilyn worked with antiques and were dealers for several years. Bill was an adventurer and traveler at heart. He studied at becoming an airplane pilot and was part owner of a small plane, then moving on to a more family orientated hobby of boating and took his family up and down the coast of Lake Michigan on a 34-foot wooden cabin cruiser. After retirement, Bill and Marylin traveled the country in a motorhome, where they saw every state (except Rhode Island). To keep track of their travels, he marked all their routes and stops on a large wall map, which became a conversation starter with friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Bill's life will be held Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 68355 M-40, Lawton, with Rev. Wayne McKenney officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church or to the Lawton Library.