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In Memoriam

Charles P. Sawaya - Class Of 1949

Charles P. Sawaya, son of Louis (1898-1965) and Violet (Younes) (1907-1988) Sawaya, was born 16 January 1932, Michigan.  Charles' parents, married 8 April 1923, Michigan, divorced 17 May 1932, Wayne County, Michigan.  Violet charged Louis with extreme cruelty and asked for support for the 4 children; Lucille, 6 years, Edward, 4 years, Dorothy, 2 years and "Louis" (Charles) 3 months.

Violet's father homesteaded in North Dakota around 1900 and was one of the first Arabic speaking immigrants in the Mid-West.  After her divorce from Louis, Violet married Joseph Solomon, a native of Syria, 17 September 1938, Marion County, Ohio.  Charles was 6 when Joseph became his step-father.

Louis later remarried and moved to California where he and his new wife had 3 children.

Charles graduated in 1949 from Okemos High School.  He saw active service with the Michigan National Guard during the Korean Conflict.  Charles furthered his education at Michigan State University where he earned BA and MA degrees.  He also received a $3,200.00 Ford Foundation Grant for 1958-1959 academic year to write his PhD dissertation in economics from Indiana University.

Charles married Janet Rita Rashed 16 June 1956. Lansing, Ingham County.  The couple celebrated 50 years of marriage and had 5 children.  Charles worked for ARAMCO for many years and took his family to live in the Middle East for a period of time.  Janet, born 1 January 1933, died 7 December 2006.  Charles died 23 September 2013.  Charles and Janet were interred St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lansing.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Wednesday 25 September 2013

CHARLES P. SAWAYA

OKEMOS

Age 81 passed away Monday, September 23, 2013 at his home under the loving care of his family.  He was born January 16, 1932 the son of Louis and Violet (Younes) Sawaya.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Janet (Rashid) Sawaya.  Also preceding him in death are his parents, son, Joseph and sister, Dorothy Karslake.

Charles served our country in the National Guard during the Korean War.  He received his BA and Master's Degree from Michigan State University and his PhD in Economics from Indiana University.  He worked as Treasurer for Aramco (Arabian American Oil Company) for many years until his retirement in 1980.  Charles was involved in numerous organization, many of which benefitted children including helping to start a school in New Mexico for the Native American children there and supporting many foster children around the world.  He served as president of the Counsel at St. Joseph Melkite Greek Catholic church, Former President of the Midwest American Syrian Lebanese Federation and Former President of the Men's Cedars Club.  As an active MSU Alumni, he loved Michigan sports, especially his beloved MSU Spartans.

Charles is survived by his children:  Violet (Khalil) Rahme, George Sawaya, Julie Sawaya and Charles E. Sawaya; 7 grandchildren: George Rahme, Dominic Sawaya, Vincent Sawaya, Lewie Ruedisale, Margo Sawaya, Janna Ruedisale and Paul Sawaya; siblings: Edward (Joan) Sawaya, Lucille Ruonavaara, Janet (Kevin) France, Kathy Solomon, Eugene, Sylvia and Florence Sawaya.