Robert Allen Sawyer, "Bob," went home to be with our Heavenly Father on Saturday, July, 25, 2020. He was born on January 25, 1940 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Pearl Sawyer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years Gloria Sawyer, his son, Robert "Bobby" Sawyer, his daughter, Melissa Sublett, son in law, Todd Sublett and his granddaughters, Isabelle and Gabrielle Sublett. He is also survived by many sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends.
Bob spent his childhood years in the Ozark Mountains living in Thayer, Missouri. In Thayer, he developed his love of fishing and hunting. He returned to Thayer often; participating in every class reunion, football game and parade he could find (even if it wasn't his graduating class). Bob never lost his love of Missouri and would always say he was from the "Ozark Mountains". He left Missouri in 1958 to attend the University of Tulsa and study engineering.
In 1959, while attending TU, he met Gloria Martinez. Bob and Gloria united in marriage on March 17, 1961 and began their 59-year journey together enjoying family, friends, church and traveling adventures. Bob was a dedicated father in the days when Dads were often not as involved in parenting. He attended every parent teacher conference, coached softball, wrestling and baseball and never missed a child's activity. Often, to his children's dismay, teachers would report, "your Dad called today about your grades". Bob remained a proud father always more than willing to share his children's accomplishments. He was always happy to tell people about his son who got a Master's Degree from Brunel College of London and was quick to share and refer people to his daughter, the attorney, even though their legal issues might be completely unrelated to her area of practice.
Over the years Bob continued his love of fishing and hunting. He enjoyed yearly deer hunting trips with his son Bobby. Every Deer Season Bob and Bobby packed up their trailer staying in the woods for weeks hoping to "get a deer". Bob was always proud to share his catch of venison with family and friends.
Bob worked as a Research Technician at CitiService, Amoco Oil and Gas and retired from American Airlines. While at American Airlines he developed many lifelong friends who he continued seeing even after his retirement. One of his favorite activities was meeting his buddies for coffee and one never knew what new or old friend might show up to meet Bob at his usual booth for coffee.
Bob enjoyed a lifetime of traveling and was fortunate to spend time in Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, England, Scotland, Switzerland, Ireland, Venezuela, the Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, and Mexico as well as many family trips throughout the U.S. He was thrilled when his son Bobby attended college and later worked in London. He loved to stay with Bobby in London and explore other parts of Europe with Gloria. He was always ready for an adventure like the time he was in Spain and his family woke up in their resort to meet numerous hotel guests exclaiming "Bob, we loved you singing Karaoke last night to Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother"! When traveling with Bob he knew no strangers and often these new friends joined the family for dinner, sightseeing, driving around town or inviting the family to their own home.
One of Bob's greatest joys was his grandchildren, Isabelle and Gabrielle. He never missed a school activity, sporting event, rushing over in his car to a lemonade stand and even once showing up as the only customer for a hair washing stand (paying $10 for a hair wash). He traveled often with his granddaughters exploring Grand Teton, Yellowstone and even swimming with Stingrays in the Cayman Islands. He always enjoyed talking about Isabelle who is studying to be a Speech Pathologist and Gabrielle who is studying to be a Physician Assistant. Many people around town know all about Bob's granddaughters though the grandkids might not know them.
Bob will always be remembered for his sense of humor and his love of life, food and love for his family. His life will be celebrated in a private family service on July 30th at Moore's Southlawn. The service can be viewed online at
www.moorefuneral.com
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Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233