Donald E. Sawyer, M.D.

Ridgeland - Donald E. Sawyer, M.D., of blessed memory, a resident of Ridgeland, MS passed away on August 15, 2025 at his home.

Donald was born on September 11, 1944, in Brookline, Massachusetts where he was raised. He was a graduate of Brookline High School and received a BA from the University of Vermont in 1966. He then attended New York Medical College in New York City and received his MD in 1970. This was followed by an internship and General Surgical residency at New York Medical College. He completed his Urology residency in Boston at the Lahey Clinic in 1975.

Donald completed his obligated Naval Service as a Lieutenant Commander, first as a Urologist at the Naval Regional Medical Center at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina followed by a Staff Urologist at the Naval Regional Medical Center in San Diego, CA. He was the recipient of a Commanding Officer's Letter of Commendation for Outstanding performance of Duty. Following completion of his naval service, he entered private practice of Urology in Long Beach, CA. In 1999, Donald entered the private practice of Urology in Ocean Springs, MS. He then became a Staff Urologist at the VA Medical Center in Jackson and was also Assistant Professor of Urology at the University of Mississippi.

Donald was a member of numerous professional organizations such as the American Urological Association, Society of University Urologists, and was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He served as President of the Jackson Chapter of the Jewish Federation of America and was a volunteer at the Jackson Animal Shelter. Don will be remembered as a dedicated and respected mentor and devoted professor of medicine at UMMC and the V.A. Medical Center where he was known for his charm, skill, and sense of humor. He loved to travel and was a kind and compassionate man.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Joseph Sawyer and his wife, Anne R. Sawyer.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Draft Sawyer, of Ridgeland and her children that Don called his own: daughter, Jenny Davis (John) of Gluckstadt, MS and their children: Alex, Madison, and Mackenzie; son, Michael Laskin (Ashley), and their children: Zoe Cole, Cayman Cole, and Rhodes Laskin; brothers, Alan Sawyer (Linda Zack) and Michael Sawyer (Barbara); a host of other relatives and friends. He was also "Daddy" to his beloved pug, Hoover.

Friends are invited to visitation with the family from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Beth Israel Congregation, 5315 Old Canton Rd., Jackson. Burial will be announced and held at a later date under the direction of Sebrell Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Congregation Beth Israel, 5315 Old Canton Rd., Jackson, MS 39211 or to any of the animal shelters that are always in need and were dear to Dr. Sawyer's heart.