1922
Richard
2017
Richard Sawdey
June 12, 1922 — November 1, 2017
Richard R. “Dick” Sawdey, 95, passed away in Overland Park, KS on November 1, 2017.
Dick was born on June 12, 1922 in Akron, New York to Fred and Beatrice Sawdey. He and his bride of 69 years, Kathryn “Kay” Sawdey were married on July 7, 1946.
Dick was a proud WWII Marine veteran, serving as a radar operator in the Pacific for the VMF(N)531, the first night fighter squadron in the Marine Corps, from April 3, 1942 to April 2, 1946.
After his military service, he achieved a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Buffalo and a Bachelor of Education from the State Teachers College at Fredonia, NY. He moved his family to Akron, OH to start working at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in 1952, where he worked until he retired in 1981. While with Firestone, he and his family lived in Switzerland, Spain, Brazil, Italy and Akron. He rejoiced in learning new languages and experiencing the wonders of the world, making lifelong friends along the way.
He was a lifetime Presbyterian, serving as a Deacon, Elder and choir member. His love of the Lord shined through everything he did. He loved to sing, fish, golf, garden, travel, read, water ski, snow ski, play games, his smile would light up a room. He loved watching sports, especially the Royals; he was excited to watch his team win the World Series in 2015.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Kay Sawdey, his parents, Fred and Beatrice Sawdey, and a brother and a sister. Dick is survived by daughters Diane Porter (Bruce) of Florence, AZ and Mary Beth Funk of Lenexa, KS, grandchildren Kevin Porter, Dan Porter, Alan Funk, Matt Funk and Lindsay Meyer and 10 great grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff at Delmar Gardens of Overland Park and Kindred Hospice for their loving care.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18th, 2017 at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 11100 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210. The family will greet friends prior to the service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18th, 2017 at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church or to Kindred Hospice, 8735 Rosehill Rd #200, Lenexa, KS 66215.
Dick was born on June 12, 1922 in Akron, New York to Fred and Beatrice Sawdey. He and his bride of 69 years, Kathryn “Kay” Sawdey were married on July 7, 1946.
Dick was a proud WWII Marine veteran, serving as a radar operator in the Pacific for the VMF(N)531, the first night fighter squadron in the Marine Corps, from April 3, 1942 to April 2, 1946.
After his military service, he achieved a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Buffalo and a Bachelor of Education from the State Teachers College at Fredonia, NY. He moved his family to Akron, OH to start working at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in 1952, where he worked until he retired in 1981. While with Firestone, he and his family lived in Switzerland, Spain, Brazil, Italy and Akron. He rejoiced in learning new languages and experiencing the wonders of the world, making lifelong friends along the way.
He was a lifetime Presbyterian, serving as a Deacon, Elder and choir member. His love of the Lord shined through everything he did. He loved to sing, fish, golf, garden, travel, read, water ski, snow ski, play games, his smile would light up a room. He loved watching sports, especially the Royals; he was excited to watch his team win the World Series in 2015.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Kay Sawdey, his parents, Fred and Beatrice Sawdey, and a brother and a sister. Dick is survived by daughters Diane Porter (Bruce) of Florence, AZ and Mary Beth Funk of Lenexa, KS, grandchildren Kevin Porter, Dan Porter, Alan Funk, Matt Funk and Lindsay Meyer and 10 great grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff at Delmar Gardens of Overland Park and Kindred Hospice for their loving care.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18th, 2017 at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 11100 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210. The family will greet friends prior to the service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18th, 2017 at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church or to Kindred Hospice, 8735 Rosehill Rd #200, Lenexa, KS 66215.
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