Alton Steinaway

Today, August 23, 2012, Alton Lewis Steinaway passed away at his home. He was born in Sylvan Township, Michigan on February 23, 1922, 10 minutes before his twin brother Alvin, to Lewis and Lena Steinaway. He married his beloved Betty on January 19, 1944 and they spent 58 wonderful years together before her death in 2002. Together they raised two daughters, Gracie and Barbara.

Alton was a proud World War II United States Army veteran, serving in the 36th Texas Infantry Division as a heavy machine gunner in the second wave of the Invasion of Normandy. He was a 66 year charter member of the American Legion Post 557 in Dexter. For more than 50 years, just prior to Memorial Day, he faithfully placed flags on veterans’ graves in all the Dexter cemeteries to honor those who served our country. For many, many years he led the Memorial Day parade down the hill carrying the American flag, with Alvin at his side carrying the Legion flag. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Dexter Area Fire Department, unselfishly serving his community for more than 25 years. He loved being a firefighter and was so proud to be able to ride in the 1925 Model T fire engine in the 2012 Dexter Daze parade. Alton was a faithful member of St. James Episcopal Church for the past 68 years. He served as an usher for most of that time, was a member of the vestry, and cooked chickens for the annual Chicken BBQ for more than 40 years.

Alton leaves behind his family who loved him so much. There was nothing better than spending time with Pa on his front porch, watching the world go by. He is survived by his daughter Gracie Brand (Jerald), his 5 grandchildren: Lee Miller (Vikki Greenfield), Brent Miller, Alison Oehler (Paul), Gregory Brand (Jenna), Matthew Brand (Erica LeBlanc) and 5 great grandchildren Olivia, Logan and Mackenzie Miller, Lloyd and Henry Brand and a large extended family. We have faith that he was met in heaven by Betty, Barb and his brothers Carl, Bob and Alvin.

He lived a great life, worked hard, served his country and his community and was the much loved patriarch of our family. We will miss him every day.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 25, 2012 from 11 AM until 1 PM at St. James Episcopal Church at 3279 Broad Street in Dexter with funeral services beginning at 1pm. Internment will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Alton’s honor to St. James Episcopal Church or Dexter American Legion Post 557-Boys State Fund.