Donald Eugene Sawyer Sr, 80, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away Sunday October 1st, 2023 at his home.
He was born May 27th, 1943, in La Porte, Indiana, the son of Marvin Sawyer and Cora (Day) Sawyer.
On June 1st, 1968, in La Porte, Donald married Sandra Sawyer, who preceded him in death on September 8th, 2018.
A lifelong resident of the area, Donald graduated from La Porte High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked many years at Allis Chalmers and then went to work as a truck driver for the United States Post Office, retiring after several years of service. He was a member of the American Legion, Hamon Gray Post 83 in La Porte, the PNA, the PRCU, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles 2439. Donald enjoyed playing billiards, and bowling in leagues and tournaments and was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. He enjoyed camping and fishing and had weekly cookouts on the beach, all with his family, whom he dearly loved.
Donald is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Scott) Henning of La Porte, IN; son, Donald (Robin) Sawyer Jr. of La Porte, IN; step-son, Doug Ainsworth of WA; two step-daughters, Kendra Ainsworth of TX, Joanna (Tom)Gumm of La Porte, IN; two sisters, Patricia Erne of Carmel, IN, Jean (Richard) Bartmess of La Porte, IN; fourteen grandchildren, Ryan Lopez, Alexander Lopez, Mariah Vowell, John Paul Sawyer, Ashley Sawyer, Derek Sawyer, Christopher Beige, Matthew Beige, Kaitlyn Long, Emily Roberts, Keith Ainsworth, Melissa Kist, Britne Winter, Justin Green, and 17 great-grandchildren.
Along with his wife of 50 years, Donald was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Byron Sawyer, and granddaughter, Elizabeth Sawyer.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, IN where the family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday, October 6th, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with military honors at 4:30 p.m. Cremation will take place.
Because of Donald's desire to help all people in the La Porte area, the family has asked that memorial contributions may be made in his name to the non-profit Center Township for the People, Inc. 1108 W SR-2, La Porte, IN 46350.
Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
