Tom grew up in Oak Grove, La, where he learned hard work and accountability in his dad‘s feed and seed business. He graduated from Oak Grove High School where he met high school sweetheart Barbara Richey. You know the scenario: football captain dates cheerleader.
Tom attended Louisiana Tech where he earned his B.A. and M.B.A. While at Tech, he worked part-time at the Lincoln General Hospital. Upon graduation, he became a full-time employee, thus beginning his love of hospital administration.
In 1970, Baton Rouge General administrator Claude Kirkpatrick recruited Tom, where “Mr. K” became a mentor and friend until his retirement in 1981 when Tom succeeded him as CEO. Tom remained there until 1997 working with all the wonderful people who taught him so much about life. His wonderful assistant Louise Bruce was a force multiplier who kept him on track.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, N. H. (Tom) Sawyer and Billie Buatt Sawyer McCleary and foster sister Verlene Chapman Olinde. He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years Barbara Richey Sawyer and two sons Richey (Dina), Paul (Lisa) and five loving grandchildren Thomas, Gillian, Christian, Holden, and Robert Sawyer, who lovingly called him “Papa.” Dr. Patricia Cruz Molina (Miguel) became part of their family in 1974 when she came to live with the Sawyers as an exchange student from El Salvador. She and her family remain part of the family. He is also survived by his sisters Gail Thomas (Henry, dec.), Carol Costello (Mike), Maria Butler (Mike) and foster brother Roger Chapman (Charlene). Barbara‘s brothers and sisters were also a big part of his life: Duane Richey (dec.), Harvey Richey (Myrna), Donald Richey (Nell), Ruth Morse (Marvin), Lynn Herlevic (Nic).
Tom loved being a part of the Mid City revitalization and watching the Bluebonnet General become a reality. He loved working with all the wonderful people there. He began his career at the Mid City Baton Rouge General and passed peacefully there in the Butterfly Wing.
His deep faith in God and his wonderful family and friends made his life rich and meaningful. He loved traveling with family and friends, teaching Sunday school, watching his two boys grow into wonderful Christian men, and loving his five precious grandchildren.
Tom served on numerous boards and served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge. His beloved Sunday School class co-taught with Jerry Stovall was amusingly referred to by many as the Tom and Jerry Show. His faith sprouted at the Chapel on the Campus under the leadership of Donald Tabb and flourished under the pastorship of Gerrit Dawson at First Presbyterian.
What great care Tom received at the Baton Rouge General! He was thankful for all the doctors and nurses who were so attentive and compassionate. And yes, those who cleaned his room and brought his meals. Thank you!
Tom was so grateful to all his family and friends who supported him through this difficult time during the past year. His struggles were many, but he kept pushing. He loved all of you so much!
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and a memorial service from 11:00 a.m. to noon at First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge at 763 North Blvd. in Baton Rouge.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge or the Rheumatoid Foundation
