August 31, 1951 – May 5, 2025
Jerry Don Sawyer passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on May 5, 2025, at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and service that will live on in the many lives he touched. Born in Odessa, Texas, on August 31, 1951, Jerry would go on to live a life marked by deep devotion, strong character, and an unforgettable wit that kept everyone around him smiling.
Jerry was the son of Bill and Betty Sawyer and the older brother of Betty Jo Seibold and Andy Jay Sawyer. He shared nearly 53 wonderful years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Gayle (Billie Gayle) Sawyer, whom he married on May 19, 1972. Remarkably, Jerry and Gayle were born in the same hospital just six months apart—a detail that reflects the beautiful symmetry of their lifelong partnership.
He is survived by Gayle, his daughter Amy Locke and son-in-law Neal Locke, his son Shelby Sawyer, and his six beloved grandchildren: Grady Locke, Savannah Sawyer, Abby Locke, Caycen Sawyer, Walker Sawyer, and Jonah Locke. He also leaves behind his sister Betty Jo Seibold and his brother Andy Jay Sawyer along with brother-in-law Joe Shepard, sister-in-law Kay Graham, and a large extended family whom he cherished dearly.
A graduate of Odessa High School, Jerry went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University in 1972—a school he remained proud of throughout his life. His early career with National City Lines took him to Denver and later to El Paso, where he and Gayle found a true home in the community and in their church, First Baptist Church of El Paso.
Jerry spent 17 years with Trigon before beginning a 28-year tenure as Administrator at Scott Hulse Law Firm, where his leadership and integrity made a lasting impact. Outside of work, Jerry was a tireless servant-leader in his church. He and Gayle taught 10th grade Sunday School for many years, and Jerry was ordained as a deacon at just the age of 24. He went on to serve as Deacon Chairman and Chair of the Finance Committee multiple times, and on the Foundation Board and Building Expansion Committee, among many other roles. He was instrumental in serving on both pastor search committees bringing pastor Levi Price, Jr. and David Lowrie to First Baptist.
His service extended beyond the church walls. Jerry served on the Christian Education Coordinating Board for the Baptist General Convention of Texas and was a longtime member of the Board of Trustees for Hardin-Simmons University, where he proudly served as Chairman from 2015 to 2016.
Those who knew Jerry will remember him for his sharp wit, quiet strength, and steady presence. He had a gift for making people laugh, always keeping you on your toes, all while also being the kind of man you could count on without question. Jerry was a rock—strong, dependable, and unwavering—someone you could lean on in every season of life. His faithfulness, kindness, and strength of character left an imprint on everyone who had the blessing of knowing him.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate Jerry’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of El Paso. All are welcome to attend as we give thanks for a life so beautifully lived.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to:
First Baptist Church, Children’s Building Remodel Fund, 805 Montana Ave., El Paso, TX 79902
Online: https://fbcep.com (Giving)
Hardin-Simmons University, Annual Scholarship Fund, 2200 Hickory St., Abilene, TX 79601
Online: https://www.hsutx.edu
