BOONE, Iowa—Thomas Paul Sawyer, age 74 of Boone and formerly of California, died on Monday, April 11, 2022 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.
Tom was born on October 26, 1947 in Boone, the eldest son of John and Charlotte (Judge) Sawyer. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1965 and attended Saint Benedict’s College, now known as Benedictine College in Kansas.
Tom was drafted into the Marine Corps and served in the 5th Marines, 175mm Gun Battery as a Field Artillery Fire Control Man during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged from his active-duty and reserve service on February 2nd, 1974.
Tom worked as a shop manager for U-Haul in California from 1974 until his retirement in 2008. Following retirement, Tom returned to his hometown of Boone.
Tom loved learning about history and was an avid reader. He enjoyed breakfast with all the railroad retirees and spending time with his family. He attended DMACC Basketball games, both the men and women’s teams. Tom was honored to be a member of the Boone County Freedom Flight of 2015.
Tom began caring for his mother when his father passed away in 2012.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Mike Sawyer; and nephew, Brooks Sawyer.
He is survived by his siblings, Patty (Erik) Miles of Cedar Rapids, Jim Sawyer of Mountain Home, Arkansas and Joe (Danitza) Sawyer of Patten, Maine; sister-in-law, Doreen Sawyer of Boone; along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone with a Vigil Service beginning a 2:00 P.M. Inurnment will immediately follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Boone County Veterans Council.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Tom Sawyer Family, C/O Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel.
Online condolences may be left at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com.
Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets is in charge of arrangements.