Laura Jane Sawyer

Laura was born to Edgar Oehler and Mary Page Oehler, September 18, 1933 in Kerrville, Texas. She graduated from Weslaco High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Radio and Television from the University of Texas in 1956. She then went on to earn her teaching certification from Trinity University. She married Charles Kenneth Sawyer in 1955, and they lived the majority of their years together in San Antonio, Texas. Together they raised two children, Stephen (Steve) Michael Sawyer, and Cynthia (Cindy) Ann Sawyer Svetlik.

She is survived by her devoted children, Steve Sawyer and wife Yolanda, and Cindy Svetlik and husband Al; her cherished grandchildren, Kelly Krueger and husband Alfred, Katie Franke, Erik Svetlik and wife Ashley, as well as Erin Svetlik Mundt and husband Steven; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Hailey, Riley, Shaylyn, Colton, Cora, Harriet, and Arlo. She is also survived by her niece Sandy Puryear, and nephews Derek, Craig, and Kent Colton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter-in-law Vickie Sawyer, and siblings; Elaine Oehler, Arthur Oehler, Sue Newmann, and Martha Colton, as well as her nephew Jim Newmann.

Laura was an Elementary school teacher for the South San Independent School District for over thirty years. Her most cherished memories are from the friendships that she made at Kindred Elementary and were continued throughout the years. She and Charles had always dreamed of retiring together in Rockport. Although Charles passed away before that dream could become a reality, she eventually made the move herself and spent many happy years enjoying the place they had always hoped to call home.

Laura possessed an enduring passion for family genealogy, dedicating decades to researching, gathering, and documenting her ancestry. She found immense happiness in discovering her family's history and thoughtfully preserving these stories so that upcoming generations could forever honor and remember their lineage. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, whether working on crossword puzzles, piecing together jigsaw puzzles, or spending quiet moments on her deck watching the pelicans along the water with her coffee in hand. These were some of the little things that brought her happiness and made her years in Rockport so special.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home, Mausoleum II Chapel from 4:30-7:30 pm. The family requests that donations be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at https://dogood.t2t.org/Donate. The family would also like to thank Elara Hospice for their care and compassion.