Francis L. Sawyer

1918 - 2010

Mr. Francis L. Sawyer of Lemoore passed away on Friday August 1, 2010 at the age of 92.

Born in Hanford, CA in 1918, He was the 2nd generation born in Kings County. His father was born at the settlement of Kingston in 1876.

As a boy growing up in Armona, Ca. he was the first paperboy for the Republican newspaper run by Mr. Adams. Also for extra money, he would gather up turtles from the sloughs and he would sell them to China town for twenty-five cents each, big money in the twenties.

He graduated from Armona Elementary and then Hanford High, class of 1936. While in high school he was able to get started a cooking class for boys and after graduation went to work in the Fruit Caning houses and then at the Johnson garage in Armona, CA. Opened a Welding business in 1947, as a welder with partner Kay Taylor in Lemoore at Bellise Corner (41 and Hanford Armona Rd). In 1958 relocated the shop to Halls Corner, while continuing to help the farmers of the Kings County area as Sawyers Machine Shop for over the next 48 years. Other projects done around the community like; he was the builder of the stadium seats at Hanford High's east campus stadium, Lemoore High's old pool, the flag pole at the Sara Mooney Museum, built Crisp Warehouse in Stratford, CA. and also some jobs for NAS Lemoore base.

He married Ruth Taylor in April of 42 and they were together for 60 years and had two children Ronald and Phyllis. Phyllis had one son, Charles. Ronald had three kids, they are Ronnie, Brigette, Trudy and by marriage Lisa and Mark. The six grand kids gave him 16 great and 8 great-great grand kids.

He was also a past Master and life member of the Eagles Lodge #2735 of Lemoore and was on their traveling bowling team, while also on bowling teams at the KC Bowl for many years and they nicknamed him Saw, and a long time member of the Central Union Grange. He loved family but also liked to play cards, go fishing and deer hunting, and being outside with his dogs.

Preceded in death by father Joseph, mother Grace, four brothers, his son Ronald in 1998 and then his wife Ruth, of 60 years, in 2002. He is survived by his daughter Phyllis Duncil, daughter-in-law Mary Sawyer and the grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

A memorial reception will be held at the Lemoore Senior Citizen's Center at 18th and Iona Ave. on Saturday, October 30, 2010 from noon to 4 p.m.

Instead of sending flowers, you can donate to the Adventist Hospice, 460 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230. It will help others in their time of need.

Arrangements are under the direction of Phipps-Dale Funeral Chapel in Lemoore.