LTC (Ret.) Donald W. Sawtelle, Jr, of Braselton, GA, passed away on April 14, 2021 after a 2 yr battle with cancer. He was born on July 7, 1937 to Col Donald W. Sawtelle Sr. and Vivian Sawtelle. In 1963, Don married his wife of 58 years, Jo Claridy Sawtelle.
Don was born at Ft. Riley, Kansas. He spent most of his childhood in Corpus Christi, Texas where he attended school. Don graduated from the US Military Academy, West Point in 1961 and received a Masters of Science degree from Purdue University in 1969. He had an illustrative military career: Graduated Airborne and Ranger school, Company Commander in Viet Nam 1966-67, instructor at West Point, graduate of Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, VA, on staff at Pentagon, Commander of the Office Candidate School, Ft. Benning, GA, AG Recruiting Command, Ft. Sheridan, Illinois. Don retired from the Army in 1981.
Don had many unique military assignments. He was Commander of the Honor Guard Company at Ft. Myers, VA which included being the officer in charge at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Don was involved in numerous ceremonies and special events: funeral arrangements for Sgt York, General McArthur, and John F. Kennedy. He facilitated military details for the inauguration of Jimmy Carter. He was also a decorated war veteran.
Those awards include: Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal with V device & 3 Oak Leaf Clusters; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal with V Device and 4OLC; Air Medal w/2OLC; General Staff Identification Badge; National Defense Service Medal; Parachutist Badge; Expert Infantryman Badge; Combat Infantry Badge; Ranger Tab; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Badge; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Silver Star (3rd award); Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Gold Star (2nd award).
After retirement from the Army, Don joined Swift Denim in Columbus, GA where he retired as Sr VP of Human Resources in 1998. In 2000 he joined the staff at Perimeter Church as Human Resources Director where he retired in 2015. Perimeter Church was a catalyst for spiritual growth and development for Don.
Don loved life and loved to talk to people. He always had a smile on his face loved to make people laugh. His heart was to share Christ with whomever he could. He was known to bring his Bible to the cancer treatment in hopes to share and encourage others. He was very wise and people sought him out to gain wisdom. He will be greatly missed but very thankful for the peace he now knows.
He is survived by wife Jo, daughter Stacy Adams (husband David) and son Donald Sawtelle III (Trey) and 5 grandchildren.
I lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Perimeter Church, 9500 Medlock Bridge Rd, Johns Creek GA 30097
FAMILY
JOWife
Stacy Adams (David)Daughter
Donald Sawtelle III (Trey)Son
5 grandchildren
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