LTC Sawtelle was our Battalion Commander. He epitomized and demonstrated daily what an Officer should strive to be. Our class had 8 members inducted into the OCS Hall of Fame. I and two others from my Platoon were so honored. Our career success was, in large part, due to LTC Sawtelle's example. He made sure that we understood and lived the following premise: "...if you have to tell someone that you are an Officer - You're not..." R.I.P Sir. We will see you one day on guard mount.....

One of Don’s USMA classmates Joe Watt told me the sad news. Jo, I met you very briefly in Washington when Don was working on the 1977 inauguration. He gave me a tour of the unknown’s guard process at Arlington. He was my battalion Executive Officer in the fall of 1975 through the early summer of 1976. Don, John Maline the battalion adjutant, and I have been emailing back and forth since 2015 about our days at Camp Howard Korea. The mid 1970s were a time of positive change in the Army and because of Don especially in the 83rd Ordnance Battalion (Ammunition). The battalion staff had two Ranger Qualified officers, Don, and John. Three female staff officers and a Russian Orthodox Chaplin. I consider Don to be a friend for all time. He kept me on a positive path both professionally and personally. Reconnecting with him in 2015, was a joyous event.  My you and your family have Comfort and Peace in God’s Everlasting Grace.

I am so saddened to hear of Don's passing.   Heaven's gain is our loss.  He always had a smile for everyone.  What a great legacy he leaves.  May the memories be of great comfort.  Enjoy your new life with Jesus, Don.  

Don was one of the highest-principled and dependable people I've ever had the pleasure of working with. I'm so thankful, Jo, that you threw that church bulletin in his lap, the one with the ad for an HR Manager at Perimeter Church. He took a huge burden off of so many of us and took it on himself. 

When I think of Don I think of a real man who became more and more a man of God -- God's man. And I think of his thorough enjoyment of life, his family, his friends, and his hobbies. And, finally, I think of someone who continued to give himself to others throughout his life. 

I will miss seeing him. 

Don introduced me to the field of Human Resources and was a great mentor during my work with him at Swift Textiles.  I enjoyed fishing with him and Jo while they lived at Piedmont Lake. He was one of the good guys and will be missed. 

My thoughts and prayers are with you Trey and your entire family over the loss of your Dad.  He was always had a smile on his face whenever I saw him, a trait which he passed on to you all.  Please express my deepest sympathies as well to your Mom.  God bless you all.

Saddened to learn of Don’s death.  Jo, you, Stacy, Trey and families are in Marianne and my thoughts and prayers.  Many memories!🙏

COL Sawtelle was my OCS Battalion Commander. He was the embodiment of Leadership. Our Class OCS 1-78 had 5 Members inducted into the OCS Hall of Fame. I along with two others from my Platoon was on of them. LTC Sawtelle's Example and his firm but at times compassionate guidance made us the Officers we became. It was he that told us "...if you have to tell someone you are an Officer - You're NOT..." That guidance became the philosophy that I based my 35 year career on. He will be missed. Many have worn the uniform but few have impacted so many lives as COL Sawtelle. Rest in Peace Warrior

Don was one of the good guys and I enjoyed knowing and working with him through SHRM. Rest In Peace, Don.

OBITUARY

LTC (Ret) Donald W. Sawtelle Jr.

7 July, 1937 – 14 April, 2021

Striffler-Hamby Mortuary - Columbus

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services