Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Richard L. Sawyer, 77, of Waterloo, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Unity Point-Allen Hospital.
Rick was born on June 6, 1948, in Waterloo, to Henry and Jacqueline (Lyons) Sawyer. He graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1967. Following High School, Rick proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam conflict. When he returned home, Rick met Carolyn Hummel and they were married on July 6, 1971, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waterloo.
In 1972, Rick began his career with John Deere, he spent 27 years working in the Waterloo Foundry as a Material Sand Sampler, retiring in 1999. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved spending time in God’s Country, fishing at George Wyth State Park.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Elaine Knoop and Jo Anne Morrow, and brothers, Tim, Tom, and Mark Sawyer, and son, Brian Sawyer.
Rick is survived by his wife, Carolyn Sawyer of Waterloo; sons, Darin Sawyer of Dayton, NV, Brent Sawyer of Cedar Falls, and Jay Sawyer of Waterloo; siblings, Kevin (Kristy) Sawyer and Rita Wethern; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The Sawyer Family will host a Celebration of Life in Rick’s honor at George Wyth State Park in Summer 2026. Inurnment to take place at Garden of Memories in Summer 2026 with Military Honors provided by the United States Navy.
Locke on 4th is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.
So sorry for your loss. Holding you all in my heart with thoughts and prayers!
My sincerest condolences to the Sawyer family. I was very lucky to know Rick and have many conversations over the years with him at George Wyth. He always kept me up to date on fishing, what was happening in the park and was one of my big supporters when I went through my cancer battles. He will be greatly missed.