Sonny was born January 4, 1930 in Watervliet, Michigan. He spent his lifetime in the area working on the family farm and later his own farm in Bainbridge Township. Sonny and Barb raised apples, peaches, cherries and miscellaneous vegetables, and four daughters on the family farm. In the early years, during the winter months he worked a night shift at Whirlpool and went ice fishing during the day. Sonny loved to play the guitar, play cards (mostly pitch and pinochle) and hunt for squirrel, rabbit and deer. He added comedy to every situation and enjoyed being the center of entertainment for family and friends alike.

Sonny died Monday, December 26, 2022, at home surrounded by family. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Barbara Hiler and a grandson Richie Peek as well as siblings Ilene Scott, Dorothy Reynolds, and Dewey Hiler. Sonny leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory including: his four daughters Dianna (Ed) Chandler, Linda (Tommy) Wakefield, Laurie (David) Todd, and Joyce Noble; thirteen grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; and eleven great great grandchildren; and siblings, Ilajean Wolf, Joahnita Paustian, Beverly Tidey, and; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be celebrated Wednesday, December 28 at 1:00 PM with visitation prior starting at 12:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Burial will be private at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Sodus. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Sonny's family.