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Ronald Sawyer Obituary

SFC Ronald W. Sawyer May 23, 1971 - August 25, 2009 Ronald Wayne Sawyer, age 38, of Laredo, MO and formerly of Fort Lewis, WA, passed away August 25, 2009. Ronald entered military service March 3, 1993 as a 68W Combat Medic. After completion of Advanced Individual Training, he was assigned to 2/32 Medical Battalion at Fort Carson, CO, HHB, 1/3 Air Defense Artillery at Fort Carson, HHC 2/7 Cavalry at Fort Hood, TX, 230th Military Police Company in Kaiserslautern, Germany, E Company 4th Forward Support Battalion at Fort Hood. He was a recruiter in Bakersville, California, from there he was assigned to a Brigade Special Troops Battalion at Camp Casey, Korea, the unit he was deployed with, HHC, 17th Infantry Battalion out of Fort Lewis, Washington. His Military education includes: The Warrior Leaders Course, The Defense Language Institute Gateway to Germany, Defense Pack Hazardous Material Transportation, Basic Non-commissioned Officer Course, Unit Prevention Leaders Course, Equal Opportunity Program Managers Course, Recruiting Management Course, Advanced Non-commissioned Officer Course, Emergency Medical Technician Ambulance Course, Tactical Combat Medical Care Course, Force XXI (21) Battle Command Brigade Course. His awards include: The Bronze Star Medal awarded posthumously, Purple Heart Medal awarded posthumously, Six Army Commendation Medals, Eight Army Achievement Medals, Five Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star Device, Armed Services Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze star Device, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Non-commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon with 3 Device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Two North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Medal with one being awarded posthumously, Combat Action Badge awarded posthumously, Expert Field Medical Badge, Mechanic Badge, Drivers Badge with both Track and Wheel Bars, Expert Weapons Badge (Rifle), Saphire Army Recruiter Identification Badge with Two Achievement stars, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, One Overseas Service Bar, German Schutzenschnur Silver (German Weapons Qualification Cord). He was preceded in death by Daniel and Helen Bowe, Howard and Trudy Thompson. He is survived by wife, Sarah and son Daniel Sawyer of Austin, TX; mother, Judith Thompson of Commerce, OK; fathers, Ronald E. Sawyer of Laredo, MO, and Martin Thompson of Smithville, MO; brothers, Thomas Thompson US Navy; Travis Sawyer of Laredo, MO; Joseph, wife Crystal, and son Martin Thompson of Platt City, MO; sisters, Amber, husband Wendell and children Bailee and Spencer Osborn of Commerce OK; Heidi, and Clyde and son Travis Gifford of Laredo, MO; grandpa, Dale Sawyer of Trenton, MO; grandmothers, Grace Sawyer of Chillicothe, MO; Dorothy Olson of Linneus, MO; uncles, George (Pud) and wife Shirley Bowe; Vernon, and wife Patty Sawyer; Marvin and wife Joann Wade; Mike and wife Kay Thompson; Larry Thompson; aunts, Norma Warner; Ruby Boylard; Marylynn Thompson; Marie and husband Randy Siecert; cousins, Amy Brose; Angie Covert; Jessica and Shane Thompson; Chad and Jennifer Austin; Brady and Derrick Seicert; father-in-law, Theophlis Baker; mother-in-law, Caris Salmon; brothers-in-law, William and son Delvin Baker; Noel and wife Barbara Baker; Christopher Salmon; sisters-in-law, Glenda and Brenda Garmon; loving family, friends, and Brothers in Arms. The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., on Friday, September 4, 2009 at Harrell Funeral Home, Austin, TX. Service will be held at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, September 5, 2009 at Heights Assembly of God, 3314 Burleson Road, Austin, TX 78741. Burial will be held at 12:30 p.m, Saturday, September 5, 2009 at Central Texas State Veteran's Cemetery, Killeen, TX.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Sep. 3, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Sawyer

Not sure what to say?





Brady

January 26, 2024

I miss you so much Ron. What a great big cousin you are. You'd be proud of to see the babies I've made. Till Valhalla

Charlie Gili

August 9, 2023

Hello,

We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let you and your family and friends know that we have made a small donation to the St. Baldrick´s Foundation in the name of Ronald W. Sawyer US Army Sergeant 1st Class.

We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals across the American youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.

Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

S Sawyer

September 24, 2018

Thank you all for your warm wishes, sympathy and condolences. I greatly appreciate them.
May God Bless And Keep You Always.
Sarah Sawyer

June 16, 2014

Gone but never forgoten! We have your picture hung in our living room as it will always remain as you will in our hearts and memories forever since we first served together in Germany! Love Travis Smith and Family!

November 11, 2013

In memory and honor of Ron on this Veteran's Day 2013. We shall not forget.

December 26, 2012

Thinking of you at this time of year. God bless you and your family always.

Sandy Graham
mother of SPC Kevin J. Graham

December 24, 2012

Happy Christmas.
Remembering your loved one at this very difficult time of year,especially for his family. I wish you the strength to get through. Please know other's really do care and feel for your loss and continued suffering.
Take care of each other.

Peggy Childers

October 28, 2012

August 25, 2012
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Sawyer:
Always remembering Ronald. "Some gave all."

Christopher Reddix

May 28, 2012

To the Sawyer Family,

Today I remember Ron as I know you do everyday. We were in Germany together. I still can't believe he's gone. But we as Soldiers will meet again on the high side. May God Bless Your Family.

Jim Resch

May 24, 2012

Dear Sarah, We remember Ronald this Memorial day and always. Our son was under his command. This was our sons first deployment. We met your husband the day before they left for Afghanistan. He came over to my wife and I and introduced himself. He said he would watch over Adam (our son) and keep him safe. He was truly a great person and had made an impact in our lives in the few minutes we spent with him. He cared very much for his fellow brothers. Thank you for Ronald and I give thanks to all our servicemen.

Jimmy Baggarly

January 13, 2012

Dear Sarah,
I have never meet you but I met and worked with a part of as I worked with Ron. We were stationed in 4thFSB in Ft. Hood together. We spent many days and nights together performing our duties and he was an influence on me as well as others. Ron loved his family very much and diplayed alot of characteristics that helped me become a better Soldier and person. I learned of your loss not long ago and am sorry for your loss. I will always remember Ron and I will never forget the sacrifice he has made so that Americans can stay free. God Bless.

Peggy Childers

August 25, 2011

To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Sawyer:
Please accept my remembrance of Ronald on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Sandy Graham

August 25, 2011

Dear Sarah,

We have not met, but my son served with your husband with the 1-17th and also was taken too soon from us. My heart aches for you and pray that you will always feel our Heavenly Fathers wonderful embrace especially on this day.

Annie Christie

April 22, 2011

There are no other Sayer's in faces of the fallen, and I think this man was really a one off in everyway, I thank him for all that he was amd all that he did I know only about him becase of Dennis another unique and wonderful human being. Great Souls now even more powerful believe me. Total Respect and Love, to all the families who had the privilige of knowing and loving them it is how it is ment to be. Hope this makes some sort of sense. I feel truly humbled and deeply saddened by their loss and I never knew them.

SFC Ron Sawyer & SFC Ray Rosales

Ray Rosales

April 19, 2011

Ray Rosales

April 19, 2011

It's been almost 18 months since you were taken from us. But I can still hear you call me RO RO. I miss you more then I can express. I miss you everyday, 25 Aug will always be special to me until I die. Thanks for the pic of Ron and I that you send to me Sarah, funny story how you found it huh? I miss you buddy, see you at the crossroads..

Tanya Brown

October 20, 2010

Sarah, I am so desperately saddened by your loss. I can't really even believe any of this is true. It's even harder to believe a year has passed. I have so many really great memories of Ron..we recruited together in Bakersfield. He was so proud of his family...loved you and that little boy crazy! Always wanted to show off his photos. I think of him and you often. I can't look at my recruiting badge without remembering you all. My heart, prayers and thoughts are always with you.

Peggy Childers

August 25, 2010

To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Sawyer:
Remembering Ronald on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

sarah Sawyer

August 20, 2010

THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS AND PRAYERS.GOD BLESS, Sarah & Daniel Sawyer

Eric Dinger

August 13, 2010

To all of Ron's Family and Friends,

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Ron. I had the privilege of being stationed with Ron at Fort Carson, CO and deployed with him to Gitmo Cuba. Ron was an excellent Soldier, always dependable, and was fun to be around. I found out about Ron's death recently as his name was on traveling memorial created by US Army Medical Department for fallen Medical Warriors. I will always have fond memories of Ron's and will be greatly missed.

God bless to all of Ron's Family and Friends.

Respectfully,
Eric Dinger
SFC(RET)

CHRISTOPHER REDDIX

July 9, 2010

To Ron's Wife and Family,
Ronnie and I were stationed in Germany together and deployed to Croatia together. We were not together that long, but became good friends. I am so sorry for your loss. We actually met up again at ANCOC in 2003. He was graduating and I had just got there. My room wasn't ready, so I stayed in his room until the next day. He was a great guy and I will miss him as I know you all will. God Bless Your Family.

Memorial Day, Ft. Lewis 2010

Lisa

June 21, 2010

We are so sorry for the loss of such a brave and dedicated Hero.

Teresa Bowe-Landry

November 29, 2009

Ron is my cousin, my family and i miss him more than you will ever know. He was not only a brave man, he had the kindest heart ever, a brilliant mind and great sense of humor.

Donna Gillette

November 27, 2009

On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.

Peggy Childers

November 22, 2009

To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Sawyer:
Ronald gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Tom Gugliuzza

November 20, 2009

My heartfelt sympathy to the Sawyer family and friends in the loss of Ronald. I did not know Ronald, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Ronald you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

"TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS
OF THOSE YOU LEAVE BEHIND
IS NEVER TO DIE"

Lisa

October 4, 2009

I am so sorry for the loss of such a brave hero, SFC Ron Sawyer. He was KIA in the stryker with my friend, CPT Jenkins and neighbor, CPT John Hallett. RIP all four heros.

Lavonda Weber

October 4, 2009

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

Ron holds a special place in my heart and is truly missed.

Cindy Teifke

September 28, 2009

My heart goes out to you and your family. My son Dennis was also killed in the striker that day. Our family grieves with you and your family. Our prayers are with you. As you face the difficult days and months ahead, may your memories and the love he brought to your lives give you peace and strength.
God Bless you.

Snooks Holman

September 20, 2009

My love and prayers are with you.

7th Grade Louisburg Middle School

September 17, 2009

We care and share your sorrow.

Vivian Schwendeman

September 14, 2009

May God Bless you and family now and forever. I am a widow of 31 yres and the prayers, friends and family have given me strength (some days hard and some days fun) but I am making it. God will never let you down if you keep in touch with him every day.
Love to your family Vivian S.

September 13, 2009

Mary Leoma Sawyer Findlay.

Stephanie Rafoss

September 12, 2009

Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

Suzanne MacDaniel

September 12, 2009

To the Sawyer Family,

I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. I truly feel your loss and pain. Ronald shall never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

For those missing in action;
for those who didn’t make it home.
I know you’re in God’s presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.

I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.

I salute you .

Every second you sacrificed
I hold you in my prayers.
So with one hand on my heart and the other in the air;

I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.

I salute you.

A Proud Aunt
SGT.David M Fisher
KIA 12/1/04

Nita Tuiasosopo

September 12, 2009

I am torn to pieces to find out about my good friend passing away. We were stationed in Germany together and Sawyer was no doubt part of our Samoan family. Sarah, if you're reading this, its me Tui. Please know that my most sincere condolences go out to you and to the rest of the Sawyer family who mourn such a great loss. I miss my friend terribly since the day I heard the news. I cry, but I know that he is eternally safe with God!!! I wish I could go back in time when he wanted us to visit when he was recruiting in Los Angeles. I told him we were coming, but we never did. I'll see my dear friend again when I make it to where he is. I miss him terribly and I pray for God's blessings on the family during this somber time. Sarah, please email me if you read [email protected]

Angela (Hill) Lakey

September 9, 2009

I only met Ron a few times when he was married to my cousin Gretchen, but he always seemed like a really great guy. I was devastated to hear of his passing, but knowing that he gave up his life for his country and my freedom makes me eternally grateful to him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sarah and Daniel in this time of healing.

Greg and Nicole Stahl

September 9, 2009

Dear Sawyer Family,
You have not met us;however, your husband and father was a good friend of my wife and I as I shared many work nights with him during our Sr. year in HS and freshmen year at NCMC in Trenton, MO. I just learned tonight of the passing of Ron. I immediately remembered all the good times with Ron and how great of guy he was and will always be. My prayers are with you and your family. I will never forget his witty humor and ability to make you smile on your worse day. May peace be with you and your family.

Valerie S

September 8, 2009

Thank you, Ron. You gave the ultimate sacrifice, but you and your smile will never be forgotten.

Diane Everett

September 8, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. May our Father give you comfort and peace.

Fonda Ells

September 5, 2009

My Prayers and love go to all of you. Bless yours and our young men and women, who give so freely to keep all of us safe at home. I appreciate the sacrifie that they have given. I know they are all in good hands now, God, will keep them safe and happy.
Fonda Ells
Goldbar Washington.

Barbara and Don Mabray

September 5, 2009

We were honored to wave our flags on 195 at Sun City for your American hero.
May you always remember him as a hero for all Americans. We will certainly remember this day.

Larry & Darlene Plyter

September 5, 2009

We were humbled to be able to stand among the Sun City residents at our north entrance, to honor a fallen hero and his family. May God comfort all of you, a patriot family, under His wings forever!

LEE KASAP

September 5, 2009

TO THE FAMILY OF RONALD SAWYER- I SENT MY HEARTFELD SYMPATHY TO EVERYONE WHOSE LIFE WAS TOUCHED BY THIS YOUNG MAN. GOD BLESS HIS AND ALL SOULS THAT GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR OUR COUNTRY. YOU CAN BE VERY PROUD OF HIS SACRIFICE. I AM THERE IN SPIRIT...9/5/09 LEE KASAP FORT LAUDERDALE.FL

Marcia Stolley

September 5, 2009

May God bless you all and give you His consolation on your loss. I will be honored to join many others along Texas Highway 195 and wave my flag in recognition of your loved one's sacrifice for his country. With sincere sympathy.

September 5, 2009

To the family of SFC Ronald Sawyer: my condolence on the loss of your loved one. I pray that God be with you during this difficult time and always. May all our HEROs rest in peace.
We, too, lost our loved one in Oct. of 2005 (Sgt. Jacob Dan Dones) so I can relay to your loss & my thoughts & prayers are with you. I will gladly & proudly stand off Hwy. 195 today as you drive thru our town of Florence with this fine soldier. May God Bless your family & keep you safe.

~Martina (Marty) Dones, Florence, TX~

Brandi Griffin

September 5, 2009

The thoughts and prayers of myself and my family go out to you all. Having been the family member of an US Army soldier for the last 28 years I truely do appreciate the sacrifice that has been made to keep out nation free. With thanks from the bottom of my heart,

ET and Diane Tullia

September 4, 2009

Our most sincere sympathy to the family of this American patriot and hero...may the love of God sustain you during this most difficult time.

September 4, 2009

Love to you and your famiily. Signed by Vivian Schwendeman, wife of an deceased Veteran.

David Smith

September 4, 2009

My condolences to the loved ones of SFC Ronald Sawyer. Please know, that this great American hero's loss, although tragic, was not in vein and will never be forgotten. Also know that people, such as myself, think daily of those who stand in harms way and of those that have paid the ultimate price to protect the freedoms we, as Americans, all enjoy. God be with you during this difficult time.

Bobbie sterkel

September 4, 2009

Dear Sawyer family, You do not know me however my daughter was part of ronalds military family she was in the vehicle behind his. I am so sorry for your loss america has surely lost a hero my utmost respect for your loved one and family may you look to god for comfort, peace and healing in this time of your loss.

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

September 3, 2009

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to our Brother-in-Arms Sgt 1c Ronald Sawyer. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Ron. And to Ron it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Afghanistan. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Ron, you are a brave American Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,353 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Ron’s family and loved ones.

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

Garnet Jenkins

September 2, 2009

Please know how Deeply Sorry I am to learn of the loss of SFC. Ronald Sawyer, the Price this Brave Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.

May Ronald, rest safely now, in the Loving Care of God and may God's Healing Grace be with the Sawyer family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank our Heroes for their Sacrifices, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam, in 1967.

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that shall be revealed in us."
~ Romans 8:18 ~

May the Peace of God and your treasured memories of Ronald, remain in your heart always and give you comfort and strength through the difficult days ahead.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers.

Jim Ingraham

September 2, 2009

I am an old school friend of sgt. Sawyers parents. My sincere condolences.

Ronald Sawyer

September 1, 2009

Bernie Norwood

September 1, 2009

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Sgt. 1st class Sawyer, and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of freedom and liberty. Sadly, America has lost one of its finest heroes, the U.S. has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage, which they will love and respect forever. Today, because of the sacrifice Sgt. 1st class Sawyer has made, the house of freedom is stronger, sturdier, and more secure.

To the family and friends, of Sgt.1st class Sawyer, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to carry on. Just as you were always with him when he was deployed overseas, know that he will always be with you wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Sgt. 1st class Sawyer was a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. 1st class Sawyer the flag of the United States of America has your blood sewn into the fabric; it shall wave forever in your honor.

Freedom requires sacrifice the protected will never know.

Patriot Guard Rider of South Texas

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