Eugene A. “Gene” Sawyer, 94, of Holton, KS passed away Sunday, April 16, 2017 at Vintage Park in Holton. He was born August 31, 1922 in Hamlin, KS the son of Don A. and Helen M. (Felmlee) Sawyer.

Gene graduated from Hamlin High School in 1940. A few years after graduation, Gene proudly served in the United States Army during World War II and Pacific Saipan; earning Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

Gene lived most of his life in the Horton and Holton communities. He worked for E.I. DuPont from 1951 - 1980 in South Carolina and Topeka. He also worked for Ag Statistics. After retirement, Gene enjoyed full time camping for several years.

Gene was a member of New Life Church of the Nazarene in Holton, a member of Holton V.F.W. Post #1367 and long-time member of Holton Masonic Lodge #42 AF&AM. He also volunteered at Holton Community Hospital.

He married Lucille E. McKim on January 31, 1942 in Morrill, KS; she preceded him in death on January 21, 2000. He later married Edna M. Bradberry in Holton, KS; she preceded him in death on December 24, 2011. He was also preceded in death by 2 brothers, Francis and Richard Sawyer.

Survivors include 2 daughters, Sharon Bowser (Allen) of Holton, KS and Terri Morris of Holton, KS; 2 sons, Jerry Sawyer (Deb) of Fort Collins, CO and Gary Sawyer (Janine) of Holton, KS; 1 step-son, Douglas Bradberry; 2 step-daughters, Glenda Williams (Allan) and Cindy Thornton (Larry); a sister, Rosalie Oelschlaeger of Tonganoxie, KS; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 21, 2017 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Morrill Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.Thursday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Holton Vets Club or New Life Church of the Nazarene c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.