Grant Cranston Putman

Grant Cranston Putman Williamston Age 85, went to be with the Lord on December 11, 2009, with this family by his side, after a long and courageous battle with an extended illness. Grant was born November 25, 1924, to Gilbert and Carlotta Putman, in Pinckney, MI, but was a lifelong resident and area farmer of Williamston, MI. He graduated from Williamston High School in 1942 and became active in agriculture in a significant capacity as a dairy/crop farmer on the farm his ancestors homesteaded in 1837. Grant took over the business of selling DeKalb seed from his father and was a top salesperson for 46 years, until his retirement in 2004. Listed among the many organizations he led or belonged to are: President of the Michigan Soybean Association; three year appointee to the Soybean Promotion Committee of Michigan; Chairman of Ingham County ASCA Committee; Vice-Chairman of Michigan Agriculture/Business Council; board member of People State Bank of Williamston; Chairman of Leroy Township Board of Review; Agriculture member of Ingham County Economic Development Corp.; member of Ingham County Farm Bureau; member of Michigan Milk Producers Association; member of Michigan Centennial Association; appointed member of Resolution Committee of American Soybean Association; board member of the American Soybean Association, receiving their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000; and was Chairman of Finance Committee and Remitting-Treasurer of Vantown United Methodist Church. Grant was preceded in death by his former wives, Mary and Betty, infant son, Douglas, stepson, Joe Fairbanks, and sister, Joyce Cornell. He was married to Sarah Joan Darrow in 1982, who survives him as well as his children and stepchildren; Grant Putman of Wixom, Mary (Tom) Houser of Holt, Vicki (Kenn) Weaver of Dansville, Dan (Jackie) Putman of Williamston, Susan (Tamara) Putman and Jan (Todd) Baker both of Webberville; sister, Jayne Harris of Eaton Rapids; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and Joan's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, most of whom live in California but who became such a large part of his life and who often came to visit on the farm. Memorial services will be held Monday, December 14, at 11 a.m. at Webberville United Methodist Church, corner of Holt Rd. and M-52, Webberville, with Pastor Terry Turner officiating. The family will receive friends at the Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 E. Middle St., Williamston, on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Those desiring may make contributions to Vantown Community Church, 3504 E. Howell Rd., Webberville, MI, 48892; Haven of Rest, 2447 N. Williamston Rd., Williamston, MI, 48895; or to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation, 30400 Telegraph Rd., Suite 150, Bingham Farms, MI, 48025, in memory of Grant Putman. Online condolences may be sent to www.gorslineruncimanfuneralhomes.com