Saturday, December 14, 2013 ~ 2:30 p.m.
United Methodist Church ~ Ashland, Nebraska
Interment at Ashland Cemetery ~ Ashland, Nebraska
Friday, December 13, 2013 ~ 6-8 p.m.
Marcy Chapel ~ Ashland, Nebraska
Good News Jail and Prison Ministry or the Gideons
Chris Sumner Sawyer III, 77 of Ashland, NE, Army National Guard Ret., entered into rest on December 9, 2013 at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, NE. He was born in Cheyenne, WY on March 4, 1936.
Chris was preceded in death by Mother, Stella (Pond) Sawyer; Father Christopher Sumner Sawyer II; Brother, Arthur Nelson. He is survived by loving wife of 56 years Joyce Elaine; Sons, Christopher Sumner (Cheryl) Sawyer and Adam (Sandi) Sawyer; Daughter, Cindy (Sawyer) Sodders and husband Robert; Grandchildren, Christopher Sumner V and Danielle, Ryan and Patrick, Emma and Samuel Sodders.
Chris attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where he met his wife Joyce Knerr. Graduating in 1958 with a degree in Fine Arts & Music Education, he began his career teaching band and vocal music in Murdock, St. Edward, and Arapaho NE. In 1962, Chris and Joyce moved to Ashland, NE where he started his career in insurance. Chris spent 45 years in the insurance industry, making many lifelong friends along the way. During this time, he also served in the National Guard Band for 27 years; including playing in President George H. Bush’s inauguration
Chris was a devoted family man and active in many ministries as an expression of his faith. While he gave generously of his time to many causes, his favorite was the Good News Jail and Prison Ministry where he taught bible study twice a week to inmates at the Douglas County Correction Center. Chris enjoyed his fellowships with the Heartland Men of Faith and the Gideon’s, meeting regularly to affirm their commitment to the Lord. A loving Grandfather, Dad, father in law, husband, and mentor. We will miss….
Joyce & family,
Chris was a wonderful man who gave completely of himself to others. We remember him very fondly and will continue to pray for you all as you mourn your loss and rejoice in his home-going.
David & Milissa Schmucker & family
Joyce, my thoughts are with you and your family. Chris was a valued friend since our days in the 43rd Army Band. I will miss him.
Dick Brodfuehrer
Joyce: So saddened and shocked to receive this about Chris’ passing. I know he’s with our Lord and that is a comfort but his absence leaves a big hole in our hearts. May God’s peace and healing be with you. Your friend in Christ…..Gene Peterson
Oh Joyce, I am so sorry to hear this! You know by now about how many lives that Chris touched and he will be missed. My favorite memory of Chris will be – Who brought gooseberry pie today? For Thanksgiving, my son brought out a gooseberry pie and I asked him if he had been in contact with Chris Sawyer. For the few years that we had family reunions, we could always count on a good time if Chris was there. God be with you all and I hope to make the service on Saturday.
Cindy and Stan
We are so glad to have known Chris these past few years. His concern for good government and his warm heart encouraged us. We will miss him . Our hearts go out to you, Joyce
I remember how my father would talk about Chrissy Sawyer and what a great guy he was. I got my chance to meet him at the Pond Family reunion a decade ago and that brief encounter left a lasting impression of a man who was happy and enjoyed his life. I’m grateful for having met him and extend my sincere condolences.
Joyce, Those of us at Employers Mutual who knew Chris will always remember the smile and a cheerful disposition each time he greeted any of us. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
I was one of many who was blessed to serve along side Chris with Good News Jail & Prison Ministry. Chris’s infectious smile and laugh will be sorely missed in our midst. We rejoice in knowing that he is in God’s eternal presence, but we grieve the fact that the world simply isn’t quite as happy of a place without him. Praying for God’s peace and comfort for all of those who loved him.
Joyce , so very sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Chris was a good man and will be missed by many.
Joyce, I was saddened to learn of Chris’s passing. I have many fond memories of times spent with Chris in the 43rd Army Band. I also remember the ’59 Peugeot that I bought from you and Chris. Good bless Chris and all who loved him.