William Lahring

LAHRING, William Franklin - Age 94 of Gaines, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023, surrounded by his family.  Funeral services will be held 11:00 Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at the Byron United Methodist Church, 101 S. Ann St. Byron, followed by a luncheon reception.  Pastor Lisa Lahring and Pastor Barbara Benjamin co-officiating.  Burial in Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly.  Visitation will be held at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton Tuesday from 4-8 PM and at church Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.  Those desiring may make contributions to the Medical Team Hospice or Carriagetown Ministries.

Bill was born October 14, 1928 in Gaines, MI to Clara (Sneed) and Caleb Lewis (C.L.) Lahring.  As a boy and young man, he worked with his father, mother, and brother (Donald) on the family farm.  Bill enjoyed caring for the animals on the farm, especially the lambs.  He learned to play the piano as a boy, and his love of music continued throughout his life.  Bill attended Boyd Country School and later graduated from Byron Agricultural School in 1947.  He was a Korean War Veteran, serving in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953.  While stationed in Pusan, South Korea, he was a chaplain's assistant and played the organ for the church services on the base.

After returning from Korea, Bill married the love of his life, Lorraine Hungerford, in Fenton, MI on February 21, 1954.  Together, they raised two daughters, Tara and Shannon.  He worked for General Motors for 30 years, retiring in 1994.  He was a lifelong member of the Byron United Methodist Church where he played the organ for Sunday services for over 50 years.  Bill loved traveling, gardening, vacationing at the family cottage in East Tawas, and most of all, spending time with his family.  He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his dedication to his family, and his steadfast faith.

Bill is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lorraine; daughters, Tara (Mike) Parker of Gaines and Shannon (Dave) Atkinson of Gaines; granddaughters, Michal (Kris) Bordine of Clinton, Melinda (Gabe) Keway of Byron, and Lauren (Tom) Zettel of Midland; and three great grandchildren, Mya, Christian, and Kingston.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Vicinia Gardens and the Medical Team Hospice.  Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.