Bernard "Bud" Sawyer

Bernard “Bud” Sawyer, age 78, of Pierceton, IN, passed away at 2:15 pm on Wednesday December 4, 2024, at Miller’s at Oak Pointe, Columbia City. Born on March 20, 1946, in Dwale, Kentucky, he was the son of Walter Preston and Florence (Derossett) Sawyer.

Bud attended East Jackson High School, Jackson, Michigan, and graduated with the Class of 1965. He later earned his bachelor’s degree from Jackson Community College. Bud proudly served his country in the United States Army, from 1966-1968. He was stationed in Korea during Vietnam in the Finance Department. On June 14, 1969, Bud married Melba Knight in Jackson, Michigan.

Bud began his working career as a second shift janitor at Dana Corporation. During his 30 years with the company, he worked at various positions and locations, including Chelsea, Michigan, Toledo, Ohio, Richmond, Indiana, Syracuse, Indiana, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, ending as Plant Manager. From there, he worked for Zollner Pistons, Fort Wayne for several years. He then was the Vice President at Dalton Foundry, Warsaw for 11 years. Following that he was Vice President of T.D. & M., Fort Wayne, until his retirement in 2009.

Bud was an avid reader, and studied the Bible, which he read 26 times in several translations. He leaves behind a mountain of notes to share what he learned with his family. Bud had a great love for animals, especially horses all of his life. In his youth, he was a barrel racer, and until recently, he owned seven horses that he cared for and spoiled for the last 25 years.

Bud was also an avid hunter and made many memorable hunting trips with his friends and family. Several long motorcycle trips were made. He kept track of all the states he saw and lots of funny stories were shared about the many adventures. Bud was also proud he ran several marathons during his lifetime.

Survivors include his wife Melba Sawyer of Pierceton; children Angela (Eric Leonard) Sawyer of Columbia City, Eric (Tonya) Sawyer of Fort Wayne, Valerie (Lincoln) Dyer of Kimmell, and Daniel Taylor of Bryan, Ohio; grandchildren Audrey, Eliza, Preston, Grayson, Isaiah, Andrew, Isaac, Lilah, Violet, Willow, Anthony, and Thea; siblings Paul (Jill Glair) Sawyer and Arlene Griffin, both of Jackson, Michigan; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Florence Sawyer, infant brother Sol Sawyer, brothers Dewey Sawyer, Walter Sawyer, and Frank Sawyer, sisters Belva Hinton and Beulah Hunter.

Friends may call on Monday December 9, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 pm at DeMoney Grimes Funeral Home. 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Funeral services for Bernard will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday December 10, 2024, at the funeral home, with military honors rendered by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans.

A committal will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday December 11, 2024, in Chapel Cemetery, 8340 East Michigan Avenue, Parma, Michigan.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bernard may be made to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.

Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or to sign the online guest register.