Lenawee County resident John “Dick” Saxton of Blissfield has been selected by the State of Michigan as the 2025 Older Adult Volunteer of the Year. He will be honored at the Governor’s Service Awards on November 12, 2025, at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing.
Presented annually by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission, the Governor’s Service Awards recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to volunteerism, service, and philanthropy across the state.
“At the Governor’s Service Awards, we get to honor admirable Michiganders who have given their time, talent, and treasures to help others and make our state a better place,” said Governor Whitmer. “They step up for others and work hard to uplift our communities even when nobody’s looking because they know every contribution makes an impact. They have set an example for all of us to follow.”
Saxton, 85, has devoted decades to serving others through his volunteerism with both the Lenawee Department on Aging and the Blissfield Area Lions Club. Since joining the Department on Aging’s volunteer team in 2014, he has driven more than 23,000 miles transporting older adults to medical appointments and delivering meals to homebound residents. Known for his dependability and upbeat attitude, Saxton is always the first to say, “I can make it work.”
“John is a very honest and helpful person. He goes out of his way to help people,” said Annette Shuman, a client of the Department on Aging. “He is always respectful to me, and I have found him to be very respected in his community.”
Beyond his work with older adults, Saxton has also served his country and his fellow veterans. A U.S. Army veteran with 15 years of overseas service, he has been recognized with multiple military decorations and continues to serve on the Lenawee County Department of Veterans Affairs advisory committee, where he also drives veterans to medical appointments at the VA Ann Arbor Medical Center.
“John has been transporting veterans to their medical appointments since 2014,” said Kristina Eschedor, Veterans Relief Service Officer for Lenawee County. “He’s exactly the kind of person you’d want as a companion on a long car trip—dedicated, patient, and kind.”
Through his long-standing involvement with the Blissfield Area Lions Club, Saxton has also supported numerous community initiatives, including providing glucometer test kits to local doctors, purchasing school supplies for students, and coordinating educational trips for children.
“The level of selfless giving these Michiganders show should be an inspiration to us all,” said Ginna Holmes, Executive Director of the Michigan Community Service Commission. “We are excited to tell their stories and show their passion to make a difference.”
Lenawee County congratulates John Saxton on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his extraordinary commitment to service, compassion, and community. His dedication exemplifies the very best of Lenawee County.
About the Governor’s Service Awards
Established in 1994, the Governor’s Service Awards celebrate Michigan residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism and service. The Michigan Community Service Commission supports these efforts by encouraging volunteerism statewide and recognizing individuals who make a lasting impact in their communities.