Tom Sawyer, 69, of Burlington, died Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the Klein Center in West Burlington surrounded by his family.
Born Aug. 25, 1955, in Burlington, he was the son of Roy and Ella May Raines Sawyer. On Sept. 16, 1978, he married the love of his life, Lynn Cornick. It is worth noting that he wooed Lynn by taking her on several plane ride dates that he piloted. What an Ace. They were blessed to be together for the better part of 50 years.
He was the President/Vice President of QCI Thermal Systems for 36 years prior to his retirement in June 2023. He served two terms as a board member of Associated Builders and Contractors of Iowa (ABC). He acquired his pilot’s license in 1976 which he used for one of his more interesting jobs, flying up and down the Mississippi River, to count boats for a university Study.
Tom attended Harmony Bible Church. He was an ordained minister and was the very first member in Southeast Iowa of the Christian Motorcyclist Association (CMA). He was a part of the "Ransomed Riders" chapter for 24 years and was president for 19 years. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing, boating, kayaking, tinkering and fixing things. Most of all, Tom loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Lynn Sawyer of Burlington; three children: Shane Sawyer (Lorinda Hern) of Muscatine, Christa Smith (Keith Smith) of Burlington and Brianna Sawyer (Matthew Pitts) of Scottsdale, AZ; grandchildren: Kendal Sawyer, who he taught to drive while sharing laughs, Audrey Sawyer, who was his ice cream eating and cookie-baking buddy, Kaleb Sawyer, who he loved going fishing and fixing things with, and Sophia Smith whose favorite thing was to dance as Grandpa played the Bluey song on his harmonica. They also shared many epic naps. His siblings include: Judy (Mel) Getchel, Jim (Xiao Ling) Sawyer, Penny (Steve) Altis, and Bonnie Sawyer. He is also survived by: Mark Cornick (Karla), Diane Gabeline and Kathryn O'Donnell (Jim).
He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Ella May Sawyer, his mother and father-in-law Dale and Wanda Cornick, and his two brothers-in-law, Dino Gabeline, and Dave Wasson.
He has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Harmony Bible Church, Danville Campus.
The celebration of life for Tom will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Harmony Bible Church, Danville Campus with Jesse Gnann officiating. A time of food and fellowship will be held at Harmony Bible Church following the service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Tom's name for the Christian Motorcyclist Association (CMA).
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.