LeRoy F. Sawyer, 86, of Walton, NY, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, NY.
LeRoy was born March 12, 1938 in Morris, NY, to Archie L. Sawyer and Harriet M. Yale. The family relocated to Walton in 1950 when Archie took employment with the Board of Water Supply. Roy graduated from Walton Central School (Class of 1957) and was employed at Scintilla (Amphenol) as a tool and die maker. With the assistance of his children, he established a local greenhouse, Sawyers Bloomers, where he shared his love of flowers and gardening. In 1963 he was tapped to serve as the Postmaster in Sidney Center where he enjoyed a long, dedicated career with the U.S. Postal Service, going on to serve in both Walton and Delhi. He was also a member of a USPS training team, traveling throughout upstate New York. Upon his retirement, he worked for Bellevue Builders and delivered flowers for Chris’ Flowers. He cherished the friendships he developed with co-workers over the course of his employment.
Roy was a kind-hearted, fun-loving, family man with a passion for trains, railroad history, music, and the steel guitar. His warm presence, genuine nature, and quick wit endeared him to all who knew him. A man of deep faith, Roy was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church of Walton where he held several leadership roles, sang bass in the altar choir, rang in the Wesleyan Ringers handbell choir, and played steel guitar in the Praise Band. He and his late wife, Linda, earned local acclaim for their beautifully landscaped lawn and gardens and their spectacular white light Christmas displays. In his later years, Roy found joy in worship at the First Congregational Church/United Church of Christ in Walton. Roy and Diane enjoyed traveling to Maine, Arizona, South Dakota, Missouri, Sylvan Beach and Key West and meeting his children for monthly family dinners.
“RoyBoy” is survived by his sister, Barbara Sawyer Boettcher of Warrensburg, MO; his children Debbie (Ernie) Newman of Bainbridge, Jacqueline (James) Leahy of Norwich, Lisa (Christopher) Hurlburt of Guilford, Michael (Denise) Sawyer of Warrensburg, MO; grandchildren Carissa (Casey) Small, Benjamin (Katrina) Newman, Zachary (Amanda) Newman, Cody (Laura) Hurlburt, Nicole (Jordan) Salyers, Hanna (Jared Bruchsaler) Sawyer, Eric Sawyer, Collin Hurlburt; three great-grandchildren (with another expected to arrive in January); his long-time companion Diane Avenia Meredith of Walton; several cousins; stepson James Thompson; and the T.A.’s Restaurant gang.
He was predeceased by his wife, Linda R. Sawyer, in 2001 and his beloved black lab, Harrison, in 2024.
Calling hours will be Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 12 PM-1 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home. The service is at 1 PM with Rev. Dr. Janet Schwengber officiating. A private burial service for the family will follow at the Oneonta Plains Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in LeRoy’s honor may be made to: Walton Fire Department and EMS, 61 West St., Walton, NY 13856.
Arrangements are with Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton New York. Expressions of sympathy may be made online by visiting www.courtneyfh.com.