Edward Jacob Putnam, age 88, of Midland passed away peacefully with his family by his side, March 20,2026. He was born February 27, 1938 in Midland, MI. Son of the late Frederick C. Putnam and Matilda M. L. (Hoeppner) Putnam.
After high school, Ed joined the Army and was stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he met and married the love of his life, Gloria J. Edwards, November 11, 1961. While in the Army he received the following rewards: the Expert Marksmanship Badge and the Army Service and Mechanic Badge. After being discharged Ed and Gloria started and raised their family in Midland. Ed worked at Dow Corning, until his retirement in 1997. He was an active member of the Midland National Guards where he was an exemplary serviceman, receiving the following awards: the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Michigan National Guard Service Medal, the Honorable Character of Service Medal, and the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal.
Ed was an active and devoted member of Auburn United Methodist Church, involving himself during and after worship time. Ed frequently served as an usher and a greeter, he and Gloria were in charge of funeral dinners for many years, and he was always available to help with outdoor projects. Ed helped design and build a gazebo at the church for the Memorial Garden, the beautiful place where Gloria was laid to rest. He also helped put up the holiday decorations every year. For Ed, worship was something to be put into action every day.
Besides volunteering his time at church, he was an active member of the Auburn William’s Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a consistent blood donor for the American Red Cross, donating over 20 gallons throughout his lifetime.
Ed was very devoted to his family and treasured spending time with his grandchildren, watching them in their many activities. Ed also loved nature, having several bird feeders in which to gaze upon and hear their songs. He loved to be busy, devoting much of his time to his lawn and puttering (as Gloria would say) in his pole barn.
Ed is survived by his children, Alison Binns (Jim Wroblewski), Mark Putnam, and Jennifer (Travis) Miller, and his beloved grandchildren, Emily Louise (Caleb) Tomes, Andrew Arthur Binns, Curren Edward Putnam, Jacob Victor Miller, Benjamin Edward Miller, and Samuel Arthur Miller.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Gloria Putnam, his brother Jim (Rose) Putnam and four sisters; Lorene (Luther) Sheriff, Helen (Bob) Vinson, Marge (Pete) Johnson, and Delores Punam.
A celebration of life will take place at 12 pm, Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Midland Free Methodist Church with Pastor Eric Wing officiating. Ed’s family will receive family and friends from 10 am until the time of his service. Internment immediately following at Laporte Cemetery, located at 4310 Smiths Crossing, Freeland MI. A luncheon will be served at the church after.
Special thanks to Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care and support to Ed and his family. Their kindness and dignity shown is greatly appreciated. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.