Theodore Andrew Sawyer

Theodore Andrew Sawyer arrived on April 1st, 1954, in Cooperstown, New York, the youngest of four children born to Andrew and Margaret Sawyer. The family moved to the Inland Empire of California when Theodore was 6. At the age of 12, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior.

He attended Perris High school, where he played football and ran track as a varsity athlete. He never lost his love for either sport, and he continued to take long walks and runs for the rest of his life.

Theodore served in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal. It was in the military that he received his automotive training that would serve him well over the years as both a truck driver and auto mechanic.

Theodore and Deborah Sawyer, his wife at the time, had two children. Jonathon Jeremy and Rebecca Jane Sawyer were born in the early 1980’s.

Theodore’s middle years were troubled. He drifted apart from his family for a time, sometimes lashing out in his pain and frustration. He ultimately defeated his demons, rediscovered God, and found the love of his partner, Melissa Morales.

In Theodore’s later years, he reconnected with his son. He conquered his alcohol and nicotine addictions and found no small amount of joy in his new life. Eventually, he was blessed by the arrival of his grandson, James Tiberius Sawyer, and his granddaughter, Evelyn Elizabeth Sawyer.

In his final years, Theodore spent many weekends and holidays with his son and grandson, going to parks, train shows, and the lakeside in Hemet. He held a special love of his grandson which was obvious for all to see. He was thankful to reunite with his daughter shortly before he passed away. His one regret was that he never managed to meet his granddaughter in person.

Theodore departed on October the 27th, 2022. He fought his illness with the same ferocity and courage with which he met all the challenges of his life. He stayed strong in his faith to his last moments on Earth. He rests now with God through the grace of Christ Jesus, his rest is well-deserved.

Theodore is survived by his children, Jonathon and Rebecca, his grandchildren, James and Evelyn, his sister, Jane Bedford, his partner, Melissa Morales, and his dearest friend, Jerry Stone.