John Levi Sawyer Jr.
John Levi Sawyer Jr., a vibrant 88-year-old husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather and resident of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, died on January 14, 2021, at his home after a courageous battle against the covid-19 virus. He was born on March 5, 1932, in Wheaton, Illinois, to John Levi Sawyer Sr. and Kathleen Sears Sawyer. John graduated with his Master’s of Divinity from Wheaton Graduate School of Theology and felt called to the ministry. There in Wheaton, he met a pretty and spunky nursing student, Coralie Gladwin, and married her on August 31, 1957, in Patterson, New Jersey. She became a pastor’s wife and valuable help to her husband John as he was a pastor in several churches across eastern United States. He was a member of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference and the American Baptist Convention. John and Coralie retired in Siloam Springs, Ark., and attended 412 Fellowship Church.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Kathleen Sawyer; son, John L. Sawyer III; two brothers, Myron Sawyer and Spencer Sawyer; and sister, Sylvia Kietzman.
John is survived by his wife, Coralie; three daughters, Dr. Laura S. Mason and husband Doug of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Julia S. Phillips and husband John of Lee Summit, Missouri, and Beth L. Gowin and husband Dan of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; daughter-in-law, Katherine R. Chrzan and husband Carl of Burton, Ohio; 14 grandchildren; eight greatgrandchildren (all who dearly loved their Papa). He is also survived by his sister, Ellen Richardson of Elizabethtown, Tennessee; and brother, Josiah Sawyer of Dallas, Texas.
John L Sawyer Jr. was a man of many interests, pouring himself into them with passion. He was a builder, restoring the farm house into a beautiful home for his family. He was a musician, playing cello and attending concerts with Coralie. He loved the outdoors, hiking and gardening. He welcomed people of all status, ages and races, befriending all and involved in their lives. Most importantly, he was passionate about his Savior Jesus Christ and His Word – the Bible. Many heard his beautiful sermons over the years – from the pulpit, from his pen, his “Papa prayers” and from his personal life.
John L Sawyer Jr. was a man who walked a lifetime in step with Jesus. He finished his race well and now he has entered into the presence of his Lord.
In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to Young Life, Jesus Film Project or Circle of Life Hospice.
Memorial services will be 3 p.m. Sunday, January 17, 2021, at 412 Fellowship in Siloam Springs with Pastor Wayne Pope and Rick Harms. He will be buried in the Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, Illinois. To sign the online guestbook and see more details, please visit www.wassonfuneralhome.com.
PAID OBITUARY