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John SAWYER Obituary
SAWYER
John Sawyer, age 90, passed away on July 9, 2015 at Marjorie P. Lee, Hyde Park. John was born March 11, 1925 in Glendale, Ohio and was the son of the late Charles Sawyer, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the late Margaret Johnston Sawyer. He was the beloved husband of the late Ruth Dennis Sawyer of 60 years and treasured father of Anne(Rex) Wetherill, Elizabeth(Blake) Selnick, Catherine Sawyer and Mary(Bobby) Stephens, devoted grandfather of John(Holly) Putnam, Meredith(Mark) St. Amour, Daniel & Matthew Wetherill, Will & Anna Selnick, Nicholas(Stephanie) Ryall, Christina, Jonathan & Patrick Ryall, Robert, Charles & Sarah Stephens, adored great-grandfather of Aiden & Allison Putnam and Hudson St. Amour. John was a graduate of Princeton University, and enlisted in the Air Force and became a B-17 pilot during World War II. His love of flying and farming led him to his aunt's farm in London, Ohio to start the J. Sawyer Company, a multi-faceted agricultural and real estate firm. He was a pioneer in the aerial application of crop pesticides and was inducted into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame. John was also a founder of The Cincinnati Bengals and acted as team president from 1968 through 1993 and also served as a vice president from 1994 until his passing. John was with Paul and Mike Brown as the trio that represented Cincinnati during the city's bid to gain an American Football League Franchise and was also a former part owner of the Cincinnati Reds and served on the leadership team that helped construct Riverfront Stadium, the home of the Bengals and Reds for more than three decades. John was unassuming and approachable and had a natural ability to make everyone he touched feel special. He gave generously to many organizations and charities including Children's Hospital (member of the Board of Trustees), Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio, Boy Scouts of America, Easter Seals (Past President), Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati(Co-Founder), Springer School, and numerous other charities. In 1996 he started Sawyer Products Company to market products to raise money for The Boomer Esiason Foundation to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis. He also served on several company boards. He was a true community leader and had a great love for this country. He will be sorely missed. Visitation to be held Wednesday, July 22nd, 4pm - 7pm at The Gwen Mooney Funeral Home, 4389 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45223, with service on Thursday, July 23rd, 11am at the Indian Hill Church, 6000 Drake Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to Marjorie P. Lee, Hospice of Cincinnati, Ensemble Theater Cincinnati, or any charity of your choice.
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Memories and Condolences
for John SAWYER
Susan Prasciunas
July 6, 2023
John was a treasure. He did so much good. I think of him often.
David Binkley
October 11, 2020
John sposored me on the march of dimes walk athon when i was in high school.It was 22 miles.His sposorship was for $1/mile.A great guy.Glad i had the chance to meet him.May he rest in peace.
William Bumiller Rector, 1958-63
July 29, 2015
John...good friend, companion for 5 years in London. Trips to Clearwater Beach, Miami (General Convention),Annapolis (graduation)...many Sunday lunches at house on farm, demo flights in P-51, many projects & programs at Church. Bon voyage John to eternal life. God be with you.
July 29, 2015
John...good friend, companion for 5 years in London...trips to Clearwater, Miami (general convention),Annapolis (graduation), Sunday lunches after Church at house on farm, demo flights on P-51, many programs/projects at Church. Bon voyage John to life eternal. God be with you.
Wm Bumiller,Rector 1958-63,Trinity Ch.
Julie Routt
July 21, 2015
Big daddy! You were one of the most caring, kindest man I have ever known. You took all us in, accepted us and guided us as we grew up. You will never truly know how much you meant to us. You and your whole family were so kind, generous and patient with all of us. The memories I have I will cherish my whole life. Love to all the Sawyers and their families. I know you have touched them in a very special way and that they will miss you dearly. Everyone that met you could tell what a special man you were and this world was a much better place having had you in it. Love Julie
Chris Neely
July 20, 2015
John - your spirit and friendliness enriched every one at the Marjorie P Lee home in Hyde Park. I'm sure you and Ruth have met The Lord of the Dance by now! God bless you!
Susan Prasciunas
July 20, 2015
Dear Anne, Elizabeth, Katherine and Mary, I will miss him, forever.
July 16, 2015
Our sympathies to the Sawyer family. I grew up in Indian Hill in the 60's-70's. My siblings and I knew many of the Sawyer's. We have spent time with Anne and Rex over the years and Susan is my best friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was such a bright beam and delight to chat with at Andy's wedding last October. May God Bless you All with peace, comfort and may you always have your wonderful special memories.
Gene and Dara (Stultz) Schanker
Beverly Martell
July 15, 2015
May god give you peace,he was a wonderful part of the bengals family .
Rose Morse
July 14, 2015
He was very kind and generous to our family and to the whole community. He was a special man in many ways.
Lori Schulte
July 14, 2015
My husband and I became associated with John and Ruth when I worked for The Ensemble Theater. Beautiful Humanitarian, Amazing Man. Blessed to have known both him and Ruth!
Jim and Barbara Hunter
July 14, 2015
John's many contributions to our nation and community made a huge impact, but his gentle, deeply caring, and positive nature is the God-given legacy for generations to emulate. Our deepest sympathies...
Jim and Nancy Lutz
July 13, 2015
Our deepest sympathies to John's family. Your papa/grandpapa was a giant of a man who touched the lives of thousands of people. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. (Even his Steeler friends in Pittsburgh!) We were privileged to call him Friend and will never forget his and Ruth's love and kindnesses to our daughter, Shannon Rae.
Steve Makin
July 13, 2015
My condolences to the Sawyer family. I'll miss seeing and talking to him on game days. What a great guy.
Bruce Coslet
July 13, 2015
One of the nicest men I ever met. Always with an encouraging word. I met John in 1969 as an aspiring rookie tight end for the Bengals. John never missed a game as long as I knew him. When I came back as an assistant coach he was one of the first ones to reach out and welcome me and my family to Cincinnati. Over the years I got to know John well. Even when things did not go right for the team he was very understanding and always had a kind word. He will be missed.
Danny Cross
July 13, 2015
Our Deepest Condolenses to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Jane Cline HIggins
July 13, 2015
What a tribute! How blessed to have such a loving and wonderful father! I know he shared his love for the Bengals and opened your home to us many times over the years. Cherish the memories
Denise Knue
July 12, 2015
Mr Sawyer was a really nice man with a good sense of humor. He loved his family and his Bengals. It was an honor to meet him and hear his many stories. We would talk farming, about his family and of course football when I delivered the mail to his business. I was honored to call him my friend.
Mary Elizabeth Welpton
July 12, 2015
This man was was the most remarkable person. I had the privilege to have him as my Uncle. He will be greatly missed, however his girls carry on who he was and what he always represented. I know he is in a better place.......I love you!
Kathy Phillips Jordan
July 12, 2015
John Sawyer was a wonderful man that I called my 2nd Father! He was everything a man should be and much more! My love goes out to Anne, Elizabeth, Catherine, & Mary and families! I'm sure he is reunited with Ruth and is at peace! God Bless You and thanks for all you have done for me over the years!
Carolyn Betts
July 12, 2015
How much John's friendship meant to my parents, Ray and June Betts. Mother has been long gone and Dad will join John soon, but I will always have wonderful childhood memories. He and Ruth were counselors at Procter Camp, I remember. He had a long and wonderful life, and was loved and admired by many. We should all be so lucky.
Lois Macke
July 12, 2015
Mr. Sawyer is a sweet man and I will miss him. Sunday football will not be the same without him there. My prayers and thought are with the Family
Beth Brohard Pennell
July 12, 2015
May you rest in peace Mr.Sawyer.So many wonderful memories I have from your family as in growing up on and around the Orleton Farms,your kindness has taught me well in my life.My prayers to Catherine and all of the Sawyer family.
Vicki Alexander Friesland
July 12, 2015
John was a loving, kind,and generous man and I was proud to have him as my 2nd "dad". Growing up with his daughter Elizabeth as my BFF he and Ruth welcomed me in their home just like one of the family. I will miss him as I have missed Ruth! My love and prayers to his daughters and the rest of the family!
Tisha Wright
July 12, 2015
Although it was many years ago, it was a critical time in my youth where for years 'Big Daddy' was an unconditional loving, accepting and nurturing father to me. And your home was my home. And for that my life was forever changed and I will be forever grateful. I have MANY MANY memories, but my favorite one was one night as I was leaving in my little car, he took out his handkerchief and cleaned my front head lights. No more words are needed there!! What a loving honorable man with a full life and legacy. I know you all are grieving and so sad, but you must be so proud of him and grateful to be who you are because of him AND your equally wonderful mother. God bless you all. Tisha
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