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Frank Sawyer Obituary
BUTLER: A good leader takes people where they would never go on their own. Former Ohio State Representative Frank Sawyer served as the voice of the people. Loved by both Republicans and Democrats alike, his strong work ethic and approachability paved the way for a successful and respected tenure as Ohio State Representative.
Frank S. Sawyer, 63, of Butler passed away Monday, April 6, 2015 in Ohio Health MedCentral Mansfield Hospital following an extended illness.
The son of Robert and Phyllis (Tulio) Sawyer, Frank was born January 30, 1952 in Mansfield. After graduating from Malabar High School, Frank attended The Ohio State University where he graduated earning a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism.
For 13 years, Frank owned and operated Doc Sawyer's Marina at Charles Mill Lake. From 1980-1983 he served as Mansfield City Council President where he was known as someone who could "get things done."
Frank's legacy will be that of successful and endearing Ohio State Representative. Serving from 1983 until his unscheduled retirement in 1998, a voice for the Mansfield area, Frank made a difference and his impact was felt in the surrounding communities. Suffering a brain hemorrhage that halted his political career, Frank never gave up on life. Remaining active in the community, Frank still took care of Mansfield when he was at the statehouse.
Frank enjoyed golfing at local courses and boating at Charles Mill Lake. He loved music and could sing the words to every golden oldies song. Amazingly he still kept a musical beat to his favorite songs even after his brain hemorrhage.
Frank is survived by his wife and college sweetheart, Karen (Warthen) Sawyer with whom celebrated over 30 years of marriage. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Tom (Susie) Sawyer of Ashland; sister-in-law, Melinda Sawyer of Florida; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bruce (Barb) Warthen of Newark; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Along with his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Sawyer; and sisters, Virginia Burkitt-Sawyer and Barbara Sawyer.
A memorial gathering, celebrating the life of Frank S. Sawyer will be Friday, April 10, 2015 from 3-7 p.m. in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home. Immediately following the memorial gathering, family and friends are invited to join the Sawyer family for a celebration of life held at Tom and Susie Sawyer's house.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Heart Association may be made through the funeral home.
Online condolences to the family are encouraged by visiting: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Sawyer
Rhonda Hokehouse
April 1, 2021
Hard to believe it has been so long since we lost Frank. Every time I think of him it brings back happy memories, some even make me laugh out loud. Our thought are with his family today and always
Ron Sedwick
April 25, 2015
Karen&Sawyer Family Im at a loss for words.We had a great time every time we got together.Im rembering the times in the Rambler. Sorry for your loss.
Burce Langner
April 16, 2015
Karen,
I just learned of Frank's passing. My condolences to you. He was one of the truly good people and he always had a warm smile for everyone. I enjoyed his friendship when I lived in Mansfield and will always have fond memories of kidding him about not wearing a coat, even in the middle of January.
Nancy Rolley
April 11, 2015
Dear Karen, I am thinking of you now in your loss of Frank. You and he were so good to me when I lost John and how very much your caring ways got me through. Frank was always a happy person with a positive attitude, ready to help out whether the issue was big or small and everyone was worthwhile to him. I will miss him and pray all the good memories you two shared will be with you always. Take Care, Love, Nancy Smith Rolley
Larry & Sherry Takacs
April 11, 2015
Karen, Tom And Susie, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Frank was a very special person and will be greatly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all.
Judge Philip Alan B. Mayer
April 10, 2015
Sorry to hear of Frank's passing, my family's condolences to your family.
April 10, 2015
Tom, Susie, and Karen,
My father and I are very sorry to hear of your loss. Frank was a dynamic man, a great legislator, and very giving. God bless your family at this time.
Kathy Capaldo & Jim Nicita, Mansfield, Ohio
Jude Bush
April 9, 2015
Dear Karen:
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved Frank.
You and Frank have been treasured friends since 1978. I remember so many good times, so much laughter! I have especially fond memories of the Christmas Tree Pre-Trimming Event.
May you find the Peace and Comfort that comes from our Loving God.
Pattie Thomas
April 8, 2015
Tom, Susie & Karen,
I am so sorry for your loss. Frank is a force of nature, never met a stranger, never left anybody feeling non valued. Your family is very special to me. May God grant you peace at this difficult time.
Pattie <3
Pattie Thomas
April 8, 2015
Tom, Susie & Karen,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family has been such a joy to know over many years. What you have done for our community makes us Blessed. May God grant you peace at this difficult time.
Love,
Pattie
Carolyn Towner
April 8, 2015
Karen - So sorry to hear about Frank. He was a super guy and great legislator. My prayers are with you.
Tom and Joyce Hollingsworth
April 8, 2015
Karen,
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Frank was the best. Never seen anyone work so hard for his community. Everyone will never forget that smile. Our prayers are with you.
Nancy Scott (Mertz)
April 8, 2015
You don't forget somebody you went thru your entire school history of grades 1-12 with. Though I lost touch after that, I would see Frank and his wife out on occasion as we frequented some of the same spots. My sincere condolences to all affected by the loss of this man taken way too soon.
April 8, 2015
Tom and Karen, so sorry to hear of your loss. Frank was that unique person that smiled and liked every person he met. Our prayers are with you.
Debra Bemiller-Robertson
April 8, 2015
Karen, I am so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. Even though we have not stayed in touch, we had great memories with you and Frank in the early days of politics. You both are beautiful people and he will leave a void in many lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Debra Bemiller-Robertson
Nancy and Scott Henry
April 8, 2015
Our prayers go out to the family and all who loved him , so sorry for your loss.
April 8, 2015
A good man from a fine family!
Dr. Blake Wagner Sr., Retired Pastor,Main Street Church
Bill Mortimer
April 8, 2015
Frank was one of the nicest and positive people I have ever met. I don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. His laughter was contagious. He will be missed...
Justin Dials
April 8, 2015
Karen,
So sorry for your loss. I will never forget that constant grin on Frank's face throughout his cardiac rehabilitation sessions! RIP Frankie.
Tim Norris
April 8, 2015
Karen & family our condolences and sympathy are with you. Frank was one of a kind and will always be remembered for his kindness. Tim Norris and Arlene Boudreau.
John Foster
April 8, 2015
I always had high regard for Frank. He was one of those rare politicians who brought class and dignity to the profession. Our family mourns his passing.
Debbie Riley-Fink
April 8, 2015
Karen and family, I knew Frank from our Jr high and high school days. In the days of sitting alphabetically, he was usually seated behind me. He was a great guy. I know he did a lot for Mansfield. He will be truly missed. RIP my friend.
Laurel Lewis
April 8, 2015
I will always remember Frank's smile and his quiet laughter. He had a big heart. My deepest sympathy to his family.
April 7, 2015
So sorry to hear of Frank's passing,such a great leader for Mansfield. I remember him and his family from "Doc" Sawyers Marina. We were just kids. God Bless. Your Mom,Dad,and brother and sisters are welcoming you with open arms. Susie Harris Starostka Monrovia,Ca
michael pore
April 7, 2015
sorry for your loss always a fun guy to be around lots a fun when we were camping and hade our pontoon boat docked there
Jean Semonoff
April 7, 2015
Karen, you are in my thoughts today as you have been for the many years that have passed since our meeting when Frank was in rehab.
Please know that you are in my prayers and I wish you peace and joy in the future as you are able to remember the good times.
Janice Scott
April 7, 2015
Karen my deepest sympathy to you and the family Tom and Susie. May God take you into his arms and take away some of your pain. I am Charles Scott's sister in law. I was one of the city employees who met on Fridays at castle keep with you and Frank, and My sister was an employee of Tom's. We lost agood man. God bless you.
Mary Ann Tullio
April 7, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about Frank. He was a wonderful person and a loving and caring family member. Thoughts and prayers to Karen and my cousin, Tom.
Love from Mary Ann
Rhonda & Joe Holehouse
April 7, 2015
God Bless you Frank.
Judy Gish Redmond
April 7, 2015
Karen and family, Frank was one of the good guys and I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. He loved life and everyone around him. Please know we are thinking and praying for you all.
Betty Jones
April 7, 2015
To the family you are in my prayers. I met Frank in Jr high school. He was such nice person thru out Jr & Sr high school.I always heard from the people in Mansfield how he was concerned about everyone in the area. RIP Frank
John and Sandy Matthes
April 7, 2015
Karen, Tom, Susie, Mercedes, Dick and Debbi and families: We are so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. What a great man who worked tirelessly at whatever he did. A career cut short that could have led to who knows where! The sky was the limit. Today's political climate should take a lesson from how Frank conducted business. He worked for everyone no matter which side of the aisle they were from. Richland County is better because of our friend, Frank Sawyer! He will be missed. May God bless you all.
April 7, 2015
Karen,
Although we haven't kept in touch, know that I am thinking of you and wishing you peace in this difficult time. My memories of you and Frank are all good ones. I you would like to talk or anything else, the Edmiston family is here for you.
Love,
Norm Edmiston
April 7, 2015
Hello Karen
Today I have a heavy heart. MEMORIES of fun filled laughter go way back to first grade playground/classroom at Prospect School. 1970 high school graduation, and beyond. Back in the day, those of us started school and graduated all together. Creating such wonderful life skills, companionship and memories. Little did we realize then, what found memories he instilled upon us. Our first grade class at Prospect School was one big united family, blessed by his personality. Frank is not gone, he is forever in our hearts. Karen, remember to take care of yourself. Shelley Winters McWhorter McCormick, South Carolina
jim hester
April 7, 2015
very sorry about frank may god bless
Pamela Saunders s
April 7, 2015
Sorry for your lose Sawyer Family, I had the privilege of campaigning for Frank many years ago. He was a wonderful and full of life fellow! RIP Frank! My Prayers are with you!
Robert Struble, MD
April 7, 2015
A dynamic individual who truly respected and worked for the interests of all his constituents. He made it easy for this conservative to support him. Such a likable guy is sorely missed for many reasons. RIP
Mike Mears
April 7, 2015
I really enjoyed knowing
Frank over the years. He was a great guy and fun to be around.
Melvin & Linda Mishey
April 7, 2015
Karen, Tom and family, please accept our condolence on Franks passing. I remember Frank as being a good card and golf player. He burned me in boo ray more times than I want to remember. Most recently for his ( It doesn't get any better than this, does it). We will remember Frank as a kind, thoughtful, and quick witted friend. Love Mel & Linda Mishey
April 7, 2015
Karen, I am so sorry to hear about Frank. He will surely be missed by all that knew him. our prayers are with you and your family. Glenn and Glorene Shock
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Funeral services provided by:
Snyder Funeral Home, Bellville Butler Chapel81 Mill Rd P.O. Box 338, Bellville, OH 44813
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