John Robert Sawyer

John was born 5 months after his father died, leaving his mother with 5 children and expecting another one. When the new baby arrived, it was a surprise when there was a girl (Jane) and then came John! Life was not easy, but with the help of extended family and good neighbors, the family managed to survive until the older children could work.

John graduated from Edna High School and soon after joined the U.S. Army, serving in Japan for several years achieving the rank of Sergeant. Later he came to Houston and attended the University of Houston becoming a geophysicist. John retired in 1986 from Texaco Oil Company. Soon after retirement, he and Maxie moved to Magnolia, TX where they have lived ever since.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse O. and Lena O. Sawyer and six siblings: Margaret, Thomas, Mavis, Shirley, Virginia and Jane.

He is survived by his wife, Maxie Ruth Penton Sawyer; children, Janice (Peter) Conroy of Cypress, TX, Regina (Mickey) McBroom of Montgomery, TX and John Mark (Serena) Sawyer of Cypress, TX; grandchildren, Erin Conroy of Los Angeles, CA, Taylor Gilbreath of Montgomery, TX, Shaun (Jennifer) McBroom of Bangs, TX and Kerri (Chris) Wood of Sylacauga, AL and great-grandson, Cooper Wood of Sylacauga, AL. John is also survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and good friends who all loved him dearly. He will be remembered as a hard worker who loved life and family. He was most comfortable outside working on the land, mowing with his tractor, tending the garden and pond and doing many repair jobs. He was a faithful member of GracePoint Fellowship Baptist Church and was delighted with their new location and facilities.

Services will be held Thursday 4/23/2015 at 11:00 AM at Forest Park Funeral Home (the Woodlands) at 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM.

Burial service will follow at 2:15 PM at Houston National Cemetery (Veterans Memorial Cemetery) at 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77038.

Reception to follow, at John and Maxie’s house, 9310 Breckenridge Dr., Magnolia, TX starting at 5pm.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in remembrance of John to:

GracePoint Fellowship Baptist Church

6606 FM 1488, Suite 148-515, Magnolia, TX 77354

Virginia's Hospice Foundation

12947 Lake Conroe Hills Dr., Willis, TX 77318