John O. Sawyer

JOHN O. SAWYER

Central City

John O. Sawyer, 82, of Central City, Iowa, passed away Friday, April 3, 2020, at the Dennis & Donna Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa, with his family present. A celebration of John's life will be planned at a later date due to the COVID-19 virus. No funeral service will be held per his wishes. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family.

John was born June 6, 1937, in Dakota City, Iowa, the son of Justin T. and Elsie (Beherens) Sawyer. He graduated from Fort Dodge High School and went on to attend Kirkwood Community College, receiving his associate degree in criminal justice. He worked as a laborer in the Local 89 Union. John was a member of Central Park Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids and later Prairie Chapel Church in rural Marion. He volunteered for many years, including more than 40 years helping others with sobriety in the AA Program. John was also a hospice volunteer. He enjoyed auctions, collecting old toys, and was a Harley-Davidson enthusiast. He loved watching old western shows. "He had a good life, he lived his life the way he wanted."

John is survived and lovingly remembered by his daughters, Sheryl (David) Goering of Ottumwa, Iowa, and Kathy (Grayland) Crist of Stanwood, Iowa; step-daughter, Kelly (Grant) Blaha of Marengo, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Justin and Elsie Sawyer; three sisters, Elenora, Leota Nygaard and Donna Utley; and one grandson, Kenneth Michael Mangan.

Memorials in John's memory may be directed to the John Sawyer memorial fund and mailed to P.O. Box 175 in Central City, IA 52214.

Please share a memory of John at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.