Herchel Sawyer

Grove - Herchel "Buz" Everett Sawyer, age 86, died Monday, February 2, 2009 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. The son of Alfred White and Maude Albritton, Buz was born on January 4, 1923 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was a 1st Class Petty Officer in the United States Navy. Buz was united in marriage to the love of his life Wordna DuRyea on March 15, 1947 at the Oliver Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death in December of 2007. Before moving to Grove in 1978, Herchel worked as a Quality Assurance Manager for American Airlines. He was a member of the VFW, Order of the Eastern Star, Masonic Lodge, and in 1932 was 32nd degree Master Mason, and was Southern Baptist in faith. Buz was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one son Phillip Sawyer, step-brother Thomas Sawyer, and step-sisters Dorothy and Wilma. He is survived by his son Dr. Herchel Sawyer, Jr., one granddaughter Suzanna L. Sawyer of Tulsa, Oklahoma, two great-grandchildren Jacob and Bailey Sawyer, two nephews Tomas L. Sawyer, Jr. and Frank Dabney, Jr. and two nieces Carol and Patricia. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Ellis Family Funeral Home Chapel with Peggy Roberts Pinkston officiating and Dr. H.E. "Buzz" Sawyer co-officiate. Masonic Rites provided by the Masonic Lodge of Fairland. Honorary pallbearers will be George Husong, �32, Dennis Deacons �32, John Robers, Jr., Harold Balley, Jim Walker, Raymond MdLain, KCCH, and Tommy Michael KCCH. Memorial donations can be made to the H.E. "Buz" Sawyer Memorial Fund in care of the Ellis Family Funeral Home. Friends and family may leave online condolences by viewing obituary at www.ellisfuneralhome.com

Service Details

Ellis Family Funeral Home Chapel