Sam Sawyer
September 02, 1920 - August 03, 2011
Reverend Sam Sawyer, 90, of South Milford died Wednesday, August 3, 2011, at 8:20 a.m. in his residence.
He had worked for the Michigan Ambulance Service in Detroit for ten years. After moving to this area in 1950, he worked at Newnam Foundry in Kendallville.
He was a Baptist minister for over 50 years serving this community. He was the founder of the Church of True God north of South Milford.
Sam honorably served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He was born September 2, 1920, in Vest, Kentucky, to Marion and Lyda (Bolen) Sawyer. On May 26, 1944, in Paintsville, Kentucky, he married Janivee Wallen. After celebrating their 60th anniversary, she preceded him in death on August 29, 2004. He then married Gertrude B. (Tackett) Bolen on February 3, 2006, in LaGrange.
Surviving are his wife, Gertrude B. Sawyer of South Milford; a son, Marvin (Susan) Price of McKinney, Texas; three stepsons, Sheridan (Joyce) Hall of Waterloo, Earl (Jewell) Bolen of Kendallville, and David (Teresa) Bolen of Wolcottville; two grandchildren, Ryan Price of Allen, Texas, and Lara Price of Houston, Texas; 20 step grandchildren; two great grandchildren, Matthew Price and Hallie Price both of Texas; 21 step great grandchildren; and a brother Marion Sawyer, Jr. of Lima, Ohio.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, Malcolm Sawyer.
Funeral services will be Saturday, August 6, 2011, at 11 a.m. in Liberty Free Will Baptist Church, Wolcottville with Rev. Eugene Haney, Rev. David Bolen, and Rev. Glenn Patrick officiating. Burial will be in Brushy Chapel Cemetery, LaGrange. Honor guard services will be provided by Rome City American Legion Post 381, Kendallville VFW Post 2749, and active duty members of the U.S. Army.
Calling is Friday, August 5, 2011, from 3 to 7 p.m. in Liberty Free Will Baptist Church in Wolcottville where there will be an evening service at 7 p.m.
Preferred memorials are to Liberty Free Will Baptist Church.
Arrangements are by Young Family Funeral Home, Wolcottville Chapel, State Road 9 North, Wolcottville.
View a video tribute after Friday or send condolences to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome
