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John Sawin Obituary
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Dr. Sawin was born November 22, 1940, the son of Joseph W. and Harriett J. Bonta Sawin. He married Nancy L. Miller on January 21,1962.
John, a life-long resident of Columbus graduated from Columbus High School in 1958, where he was named the number one Senior and was Senior Class President. He graduated from Indiana University where he was in the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. After receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1965, he returned to his hometown to start his dental practice.
He was passionate about learning and providing the best care possible to his patients and community. Kindness, generosity, and a commitment to excellence were the driving forces in John's dental practice. His daughter followed his example and joined the practice in 1992. His legacy endures in Sandcrest Dental Health today.
John married his high school sweetheart, Nancy in 1962. He knew she was the one the moment he saw her and remained devoted to her for 63 years.
Together, John and Nancy enjoyed traveling to experience new cultures. Food and wine tours in Europe were a favorite adventure together. His grandsons loved exploring Chicago and the museums and the Lego store with him. Warm beaches and sailing trips provided great memories with friends and family.
John made family a priority. He spent many hours cheering from the sidelines at the ice rink or soccer fields, working swim meets, helping with 4H projects, and attending countless recitals and school functions.
He was an active member at First United Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder, deacon, and clerk of session. Deep and lasting friendships were formed and treasured in the Friday morning men's group.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy of 63 years; children, Susie (David Kadlec) Sawin of Columbus, Andrew (Michelle) Sawin of Indianapolis and Cindy (John) Howery of Stoughton, WI; grandchildren, Graham Johnson (Wendy Chen), Isaac Johnson (Payton Doan) and Benjamin Howery (Kyra Schlicht); a brother, Robert (Mary) Sawin of Columbus and a sister, Sarah (Gary) Smith of Connersville; and many nieces and nephews. He will also be dearly missed by his furry companion, Bernie.
Visiting hours will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday July 12, 2025, at 11 am at the First Presbyterian Church in Columbus (512 7th Street) with Dr. Felipe Martinez officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana, First Presbyterian Church, World Central Kitchen, or Doctors Without Borders.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. John W. Sawin, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Phyllis & David Apple
July 10, 2025
I remember Dr John Sawin from high school. He was a year ahead of me. He was dating Nancy at the time. John was always friendly and kind. Years passed by and John became my dentist and then my husbands as well. His work was the best. I had occasion to go to oral surgeon later and he told me he could always recognize dental work Dr. John had done as the best. Fortunately when he retired I could then go to his daughter, Dr. Susie. I have great memories of a thoughtful, kind man when I think of John Sawin. Blessings to the family. Phyllis Apple
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Dorothy A Smoot
July 2, 2025
Always a nice person with a great since of humor Susie sorry for your loss I know he will be missed
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