Richard Owen Sawyer of Beaumont, Texas, passed away peacefully as his Heavenly Father called him home on the morning of May 17, 2026.
He was born on February 10, 1949, during a very pivotal time as the Cold War was escalating, and coincidently war would be something that molded him later in life.
He was a happy child full of life with the most beautiful smile. He was strong-willed and that would carry over into adulthood as he grew to become a War Hero. Richard served bravely for Four Years in the United States Marine Corps, two of those years he served with the Delta Company, 1st Battalion 7th Marine Regiment in the Vietnam War from 1967-1971. During his sacrifice and service Richard earned multiple medals and honors. His full-dress blues donned the purple heart with one star, a National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 stars, alongside the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, the Combat Action Ribbon, a Meritorious Unit citation and the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge and the Good Conduct Medal. The Marine Corps honorably discharged him as a Corporal in September of 1971.
Richard spent his life after his military service working as one of the country’s most skilled welders and quality control inspectors. In his pastime he enjoyed fishing, playing pool and archery. He was an active member of his community belonging to the Masonic Lodge 889, VFW Post 1806, and the American Legion. With all that he experienced in his life, it was his family that was his greatest accomplishment.
Richard loved his family deeply. Survived by his devoted wife Cherie Sawyer, his son’s Walker Sawyer, David Sawyer, and his wife Melanie Sawyer. His daughter’s United States Navy Retired, Petty Officer First Class Sunday Sawyer, Shelly McVey and her husband Dan, Kellie Lewis, and her husband David, his 12 Grandchildren and 16 Great Grandchildren and his sister Patrice Mitchell. He is also survived by; his best and closest friend Steven Stafford who served with him in Vietnam, his long-time friend and former spouse Terry Sawyer along with his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, John Robert Sawyer and Susan Elizabeth Sawyer as well as his extended family Clarence Ray Lee and Mabel Estele Lee.
Richard enjoyed working in his shop and playing a practical joke every chance he got. He loved to laugh but he was also serious and quick to help someone in need. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and his community.
Those that we love never really fade away, we carry them with us in our hearts and in our memories. We will see him again, so for now we say as he would say “see you later, bye, love ya bunches.” Until we meet again rest in peace.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. 2 Timothy 4:7
A visitation of family and friends will be held at LaBrie Claybar Funeral Services located at 1155 N. 11th St., Beaumont, TX 77702 on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM with a funeral service to follow.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Houston National Cemetery located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77038 on Wednesday, May 27, 20206 at 10:45 AM.