Funeral services for Leon Sawyer, 89, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Saturday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A visitation will be held one hour prior. Burial will follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery, Baldwin City. Leon died Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Floyd “Leon” Sawyer was born August 8,1927 near Gardner, Kansas, the son of Floyd Merritt and Zula Lorretta (Larrick) Sawyer. He graduated from Edgerton Rural High School, Class of 1944.
Leon married the love of his life, Rosa Marie (Admire) Sawyer on May 3, 1947 in Edgerton, Kansas. They shared almost 70 years of marriage.
Leon served in the US Navy as a Seabee at the end of WWII in the Philippines. He returned work at the VA in Kansas City and farming until he thought he would be called up to serve in Korea. At that time, he and Marie moved to Lawrence where he began working for Coca-Cola as as route salesman and Regional Route manager.
In 1956, Leon opened Sawyer’s Texaco Service at 23rd and Barker. He closed the Texico Station in 1976 and continued to work in the auto repair industry for several more years.
Leon’s next career change led him closer to the farm when he worked for KU Housing Department as a landscape supervisor. He retired from KU, packed up the motorhome and headed to Florida.
He loved his family, traveling, his camping, fishing and boating, and the snowbird lifestyle. He had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed people.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Donald and Howard Sawyer; and great-granddaughter Emily Sawyer.
Leon is survived by his wife, Marie Sawyer; his son Duane L. Sawyer and wife Denise, of Pomona, KS; his daughter Janis E. Miskimins and husband Mike of Lawrence; his daughter Jean M. Rummer and husband Bob of Lawrence; 7 grandsons; 5 granddaughters; and 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild two sisters Junadah Kathleen Sawyer Admire, from Kerrville, TX and Dollie Jean Sawyer Moore of Baldwin, KS
Leon was a loving husband and parent, uncle, brother, grandpa and great-grandpa, and friend. He has left us with many wonderful memories that will be cherished by family and friends forever…
Prayers are with you as you grieve this loss while celebrating great memories of life with Leon. Didn’t know Jean and family were back in Lawrence. Heard the news through my folks whose friend still brings them the journal world. God bless you all.
Marie and family – We’re all thinking of you and sending our love. May memories surround you. Donna & Jim Flory , Louise and Lisa
Duane, Denise, Mom Sawyer and the Sawyer family – So sorry to hear about Leon’s passing. My mother, Elaine Taylor, enjoyed spending time with both your parents at Meadowlark. When I visited there, it was always fun to see their smiling faces and chat for awhile. May great memories of past times together bring comfort to your family and may God’s arms wrap you all in His loving embrace during this sad time. Sending love & hugs
Duane, I was so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. May the Lord Jesus give you His peace and comfort in this difficult time. Much love and God bless.
I am so sorry to hear about Leon’s passing. He was a special person to me and the staff at Drs. Peterson, Krische and VanHorn. We always enjoyed seeing his smile and I feel blessed to have known him. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Deepest love and prayers for comfort and support to all the Sawyer family.
Love, The Rytting Family
My thoughts and prayers and love are with the Sawyer family in the loss of Leon. He was such a good man.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, many prayers for the family.
Sawyer family,
We are deeply sadden by your loss. The Goff family have many Great Memories of Leon. He was a wonderful man.
Sincerely,
George Goff & Family
Duane and Denise and all of the Sawyer family: Jim and I express our condolences for the death of your father, Duane. We will be thinking of you as you say your final goodbyes.