September 1938 – December 2023
Richard G. Sawyer, beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather, was surrounded by family when he departed this life the evening of December 6, 2023 after a long illness. Richard was born in Clarksville, Tennessee in September 1938 to Charles C. and Ella Sawyer. The youngest in a family of 13 children, he grew up playing sports, hunting and hanging out with his friends. His favorite sport was football, playing for Clarksville High School. In October 1954, when Richard was a Sophomore in High School, he began dating Cynthia Jane Haithcock. They married in September 1959, shared life and love for over 64 years and were blessed with two daughters, Jeanette and Melissa.
Richard followed his father and brothers into the masonry trade. He moved his bride to Houston, TX in 1960 and began a long career as a Masonry Superintendent for Herman L May Co, Smith Southern, Marlin Masonry and Lucia. He achieved life membership in the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. He supervised the masonry on countless buildings in the Houston area such as the hospitals in the Medical Center, many of the downtown skyscrapers, the Astrodome, the Bush Library, NRG Stadium and his favorite, Minute Maid Park.
Richard’s interests throughout his lifetime included hunting, fishing, golf, photography and gardening. He belonged to the Methodist church; active in Park Place Methodist and Revive! Church (formerly First Methodist Pasadena).
Richard is survived by his beloved wife of over 64 years, Cynthia Haithcock Sawyer and sister, Betty Jo Smith. Daughters: Jeanette Sawyer Forman (Steve), Melissa Sawyer Herman (Curt). Grandchildren: Jeana Forman Gering (Daniel), Allison Forman Stoos (Chris), Nicholas Herman (Allysa), Cynthia Ann Forman Tucker (Adam) and Sawyer Herman. Great-grandchildren: Ruth Jolene Stoos, Janelle Beth Gering and Levi Richard Stoos. Also, many nieces, nephews and their families, life-long friends, as well as the dear members of their Wednesday night dinner club.
The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude for the incredible staff of Compassus Hospice. Their compassionate and highly skilled care is amazing.
Richard made sure that we knew Jesus Christ is his Lord and Savior. He had no doubt he was going to see his Savior as well as his mother and father, his siblings and close friends. We will miss the twinkle in his eye greatly, but heaven has gained a soul who lived life with joy, love and mischief.
A memorial service will be held Friday, January 5th, 2024, 2 pm, at Revive! Church Pasadena (formerly First Methodist Pasadena), 1062 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX 77504. A reception will follow for visitation. Flowers for the service should be delivered to the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to one of Richard’s favorite charities: Revive! Church, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children, Wounded Warrior Project or one of your own.
9 thoughts on “Richard G. Sawyer”
My condolences for the loss of your father! I loved him dearly and will always cherish his kindness to me while I lived with his parents, my grandparents, in my early years. I know he blessed every life he touched and that he loved his Cynthia and his girls. My prayers are with you for peace and comfort. Candy Ellis Austin
Deepest condolences from all members of Clarksville High School in Memory Group-Facebook. God bless you all and comfort you, during your time of sorrow.
We loved Richard! He was a dear friend in every sense of the word!!! He could tell a joke like no one else; he was kind; he was bull headed and stubborn; he was dependable; he loved his “baby doll” Cynthia and was devoted to her in every way; he loved Jesus; he loved his family; and he dearly loved his daughters and was very proud of them. We loved him and his quirky personality! We miss him!!!! Keith and Judy Bodine
Richard and Cynthia, Terry and I were lifelong friends. The four of us started "going steady" about the same time in the early 50's. We double dates in Terry's Dad's "53 Buick" all thru Clarksville High School. Richard will truly be missed by the CHS Class of 1957 reunions(The Class of 57 had our dreams). Richard never missed a class reunion.
Rest in Peace dear friend.
Sara
CHS 57
I just found out that Richard Sawyer was my Aunt Betty jo Smith Brother I'm so sorry to hear about his passing I met him a couple of times he was a very nice man. Sending prayers and hugs for the family.
Richard was a good friend and will be missed. Richard always looked a person in the eye and “told it like it was, he didn’t pull any punches”. I’m sure he is already making his presence known up in Heaven.
He will be missed by many-I am one of these. He was one of a kind! Prayers for all of his family.
My heart is filled with extreme sadness with Richard's passing. Beginning in the late 60's when he and Cynthia moved to Turtle Creek with the girls, there was a group of neighbors that became very good friends. So very many wonderful memories were made in the next 40 years among the families around Richard and Cynthia. Richard, Buddy, Johnny and Ruben were a close group of guys, you might say were like brothers. They enjoyed helping each other with all kinds of projects over the years. Now the last, Richard is gone. I'll miss his incredible wit and his wonderful friendship. God Speed Richard.
My heart is filled with extreme sadness with Richard's passing. Beginning in the late 60's when he and Cynthia moved to Turtle Creek with their girls, there was a group of neighbors that became very close friends. There were so many wonderful memories made over the last 40 years among the families that lived around them. Richard, Buddy, Johnny and Ruben were a close group of guys, you might say almost like brothers. They enjoyed helping each other with all kinds of projects. Now the last, Richard is gone. I'll miss his quick wit, and his wonderful friendship.
God Speed Richard