Jonathan David Sawyer (“David”), at a young age of 62, went home to be with His Lord and Savior on July 13, 2020. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Eugene Sawyer and Katherine Ann Sawyer, and his cherished son Kyle Andrew Sawyer. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kathleen Sawyer (née Defino), his faithful son Jonathan David Sawyer, Jr., his beautiful daughter-in-law Kristen Sawyer (née Botner), and his brothers Robert Eugene Sawyer, Jr. and James Joel Sawyer.
David was born in Hollywood, Florida on June 1, 1958. As a young child, David battled Crohn’s Disease though remained active in his church youth group, school, and sports. As a young adult, he continued to stay involved at his church and school, teaching preschoolers and coaching basketball at Pembroke Christian Academy. He later received a degree in computer electronics, though he eventually chose and excelled in a career of financial services and telecommunications.
David was a faithful and loving husband to Kathleen and a devoted father to Jonathan and Kyle, actively participating in the boys’ school and church events as well as coaching their athletic teams. He also enjoyed spending time in the Georgia Mountains at the family cabin, making campfires and creating lasting memories. He loved staying informed in politics and world events as well as sharing his enjoyment of movies with his family. Although his later years were spent battling chronic illness, his resiliency, perseverance and fighting spirit continually manifested through daily living despite multiple challenges. After an arduous journey, he now rests with his Lord in perfect peace and health, forever leaving a lasting legacy of precious memories.
For those that wish to honor David’s memory, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Pembroke Road Baptist Church at 7130 Pembroke Road, Miramar, Florida 33023 (Phone: 954-987-7050). Funds will be used to assist in building repairs for David’s beloved church founded and pastored by his father Reverend R.E Sawyer for 26 years.
Due to COVID restrictions and safety concerns, a memorial service will be streamed from First Baptist at Weston for ONLINE VIEWING ONLY Friday July 24 at 7pm. Click the link to view https://youtu.be/92z9KjNgXi0
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David Mellinger
July 22, 2020, 5:39 pm
Dear Sawyer Family,
With a very heavy heart, I am lifting you up in prayer. Though there is great pain in the night, the Lord has a joy beyond measure in store for you when you are united to Him and reunited with David and Kyle.
I pray that the Lord’s healing is with the brokenhearted, that He may sustain you according to His promise, that His unfailing love be present in your lives and hearts, that He renews your strength, that He comfort you in your troubles, and that He look after you in your distress.
The Sawyer family has been an incredible blessing in my life. The blessing that David’s life was carries on through you. Love you guys. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you all.
Sincerely,
David Mellinger
Sid Troxel
July 23, 2020, 7:51 pm
Dear Sawyer Family,
May God be the source of all peace and comfort as you grieve the temporary loss of your dear husband, father, brother and father-in-law. I came to know David more closely the past several years as I occasionally chauffeured him to doctor’s visits, did lunch with him, and occasional movies and/or Bible devotions. Though our friendship grew closer as David was going through the most medically challenging time of his life, I wouldn’t trade the times and memories that God gave us to encourage one another. The obituary said it well, mentioning “his resiliency, perseverance, and fighting spirit.” After our visits, that’s exactly what I was always left impressed with. May God bless you all in the coming days. I pray Romans 8:18 for you all- though the suffering and grief are present and real, that they will not compare with the glory that will be revealed to you all when reunited in Heaven.
Sincerely,
Sid Troxel
Paul Leiby
July 24, 2020, 1:26 am
RIP Uncle David. Love, Paul and Selene Defino Leiby.