I was sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Tom & I became friends at the time when he came to Northwest High School. We both enjoyed bowling together on a team made up of teachers at Rose Bowl West. Tom liked to eat out since he did not cook. Never even had a stove in his house on Kessler. I would go over and help Tom with fixing something in the house or give advice on what to do in the yard. He didn’t want a pet but he did have a (pet?) mouse for a while that seemed to like him. 
Bob Jackson

Mr. Sawyer first made contact with me when he saw me walking in the halls at Southeast High.  At over 6 feet tall, I stood above the crowd, but still had to look up to him.  He was trying to recruit me for basketball however I had health issues that prevented me from doing all of the running.  When track season came around, he tried again and finally succeeded in recruiting me for shot-put and discus.  I knew nothing about either, but with his coaching and that of Mr. Kelting, I ended up with the KS state record in discus and got a college scholarship for track and field.  
I also played piano and accompanied school singing groups.  He was very accommodating with my schedule so that I could continue to participate.  During my senior year, Mr. Sawyer didn’t have an accompanist for his Opera lessons. I became his accompanist for his voice lessons until I went to college.  
Over the years, he became a family friend- visiting my parents in their restaurant and attending family celebrations.  He kept up with our careers and was ever supportive of my sisters and me. He had sage wisdom and always gave good advice. 
He made a big impact in my life and I am forever grateful. 
Coach, you will be missed.
Angela Selmon, MD

Tom was my neighbor until I was at the age of 4, but I always thought of him as family. My parents (Amy and Joe) tell stories about me being 3 years old and taking it upon myself to walk next door to spend time with Tom.  Even after moving from Wichita to Mulvane, he still made it a priority to come to sports games and support me in anything I did in life. He always had a mint to offer and always showed up to take me out to pizza for my birthday. Despite my being a child, I would consider Tom as my first friend. He will truly be missed. -Jillian Belden

After graduation Tom began his teaching career at Alma, Kansas, then Towanda before joining the social studies department of Wichita East, his alma mater in 1968.  In subsequent years he taught at Wichita Southeast and Wichita Northwest before "retiring".  Thereafter he continued as a college adjunct instructor.  The highlight of his coaching career came at Southeast where he coached the girls' track team to back-to-back City League championships (1979-80) and where his athletes set school, league and state records, some of which still stand.  The 1980 4 x 100 relay team was nationally ranked and set an all-time state best which stood for over 20 years before being broken. Tom loved singing, reading history, playing golf and watching live sports, especially basketball. He was respected by his peers as well as his students.  He was my colleague, my fellow coach and my friend.  I shall miss our conversations about sports, music, education and a wide variety of other subjects.    Farewell, dear friend.                                Michael Kelting: Social Studies, Wichita East, West, Southeast (1969-2000)

OBITUARY

Thomas J. Sawyer

August 20, 1941 – March 28, 2024

Lakeview Funeral Home & Cemetery

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services