Donald Leroy Sawyer

Donald Leroy Sawyer, 79, of McCook, passed away on Jan. 4, 2023, at his home in McCook. Don was born on March 12, 1943, in Tampa, Florida, to Lorence E. and Dorothy (Offner) Sawyer. He was one of three brothers. The family later relocated to McCook where Don graduated from McCook High School with the class of 1961. Don married Shirley R. (Simants) Sawyer, his best friend Butch Simants's sister, on April 10, 1965. To this union, one daughter was born, Carmen. Don worked hard his entire life, including Sidles and a forty-year career at the post office. He raised hogs in his spare time and his evenings were spent working the door at Sports and Overtime where he made many friends. He loved telling jokes and making people laugh. He especially enjoyed playing Santa Claus at Christmas time. Don was a member of the APA Pool League, traveling to Vegas on a championship team, a member of the McCook Eagles and a past member of the Elks Club. Along with playing pool, Don enjoyed fishing and bargain hunting at auctions and garage sales. He will be remembered for his love of a good story and telling jokes. Don was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Gary Sawyer and Rod (Andrea) Sawyer. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of fifty-seven years, Shirley Sawyer of McCook; daughter, Carmen (Joe) Bond of McCook; beloved niece, Susan Henry; brothers-in-law, Butch (Doris) Simants and Sonny (Mary) Simants, all of North Platte; and numerous other nieces, nephews and extended family members. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the McCook Humane Society, PO Box 13, McCook, NE 69001. Online condolences may be shared at carpenterbreland.com. Funeral service is at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with Pastor Clark Bates officiating. Burial will follow at the Riverview Cemetery, McCook. Following the burial, a celebration of Don's life will be at TJ's Family Fun Center, McCook. Bring your best memories, funny stories and jokes to share. Visitation is from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook, which is in charge of arrangements.