Stephen Sawmiller

SPENCERVILLE -- Stephen M. "Mike" Sawmiller 76, beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather of Spencerville Ohio passed away peacefully at 10:03 a.m., Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at his residence with his loving family and cousin Dane Sawmiller by his side. He was born December 22, 1948 in Lima, Ohio to Gale E. and Betty Boughan Sawmiller who preceded him in death. An infant daughter, Dena Renee also preceded him in death.

On August 7,1971 Mike married the love of his life, Marla K. Place and they were blessed with 54 years together, five wonderful children and seven lovely grandchildren. Mike was a 1968 graduate of Shawnee High School. He was a US Navy veteran.

Mike leaves behind his wife Marla, his son Steven (Jen) Sawmiller and their children Alissa and Ethan, Jeremy (Lindsay) Sawmiller and their children Delaney and Clayton, daughter Heather (Nate) Pohlman and their children Ella, Eli, and Amelia, son Kyle Sawmiller of Lima. Mike's siblings, Linda (Robert) Metz, Georgia, Carol (Steve) Smith, Elida, and Ted (Kim) Sawmiller, Lima. Other survivors include sister-in-law Darla (Ralph) Mertz, Columbus and brother-in-law Pastor Kent (Shirley) Place, Buckland and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mike retired from General Dynamics as a pipefitter in 2010. Mike will be remembered as a very talented, self-taught gun engraver with many of his masterpieces around the country. He spent many hours with his jeweler's chasing hammer and chisel designing intricate patterns on numerous firearms. He enjoyed family events and friend time with Dusty Wilcut, Mike Krites (deceased), Bob Starr, and Dave May.

He was an avid airgun enthusiast and enjoyed gun shows and was a member of The Ohio Gun Collectors Association and the American Single Shot Rifle Association. He was a collector of old film cameras, developing his own pictures in black and white. He was a very creative and talented person.

In keeping with Mike's wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A private family graveside service will be held at a later time. Memories may be shared and viewed by visiting www.baylifffuneral.com. Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville is caring for Mike and his family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lifewise Academy- Spencerville (1844 Baty Rd. Lima, Ohio 45807) or online at www.lifewiseallencounty.com/donate-spencerville.

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville Ohio.