Donald A. Sawyer

Donald A. Sawyer, age 98, passed away peacefully in the Serenity Hill Nursing Home on Monday, February 29, 2016. Born in Walpole, Massachusetts on August 6, 1917, he was the son of the late Charles and Pauline (Temple) Sawyer. He graduated from Walpole High School with the Class of 1935. After graduation, Donald took a position with Kendall Mills on South Street in Walpole. As a member of the Walpole Fire Fighter's Minstrel Shows, he met his soon to be wife, Kathryn, during rehearsals for one of the upcoming shows.

In 1941, Donald joined the United States Army and proudly served his country during World War II. He served with the Anti Tank Company in the 101st Infantry Regiment, stationed in the European Theater of Operations. Donald was honorably discharged in 1945 as a Staff Sergeant after earning the Bronze Star for the heroic measures he took on the battlefield.

Upon his return from the Army, Donald resumed working at Kendall Mills and on January 5, 1946, he married the love of his life, Kathryn Shorey. Together they made their home in Walpole, where they raised their 5 children. Donald retired from Kendall Mills in 1987 at the age of 70 as the production supervisor.

In his spare time, Donald enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden, playing cards, and listening to music. He loved reading, but as an avid Boston sports fan, would put his book down to catch a game. Donald also enjoyed bowling at Petracca's Bowling Lanes first with the team from T-Tee's and later with the Cleveland Fuel Team.

Beloved husband of the late Kathryn S. (Shorey) Sawyer.
Loving father of Aaron Sawyer and his wife Sharon of PEI, Canada, Jeffrey Sawyer of North Attleboro, Marilyn Sullivan and her husband Michael of Canton, Patricia Baptiste and her husband Walter of Walpole, and Robert Sawyer and his wife Olga of Walpole.
Cherished grandfather of Kevin Sullivan, Kerry Van Everen, Brian Sullivan, Kathryn Rose, Aaron Christopher, Abigail, Daniel Sawyer, and the late Kelli Ann Baptiste.
Brother of the late Charles Sawyer, Jr. and Kathryn Fisher.
Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Donald's Life Celebration on Thursday, March 3, 2016 from 4-8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Home Service will be held on Friday, March 4, 2016 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517
Topeka, Kansas 66675.