Richard F. Sawyer Sr., age 88, of Russell, passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, January 29th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home, Edwards. The funeral service will follow on Sunday at 2:00 p.m., with military honors, with Lay Speaker Art Zehr of the Edwards United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Hailesboro Cemetery.

Richard was born on July 15, 1922 in St. Regis Falls, to Douglas and Mildred (LaVare) Sawyer. He attended Hermon and Rossie Schools. In 1942 he entered into the United States Army Air force and served during WWII until his honorable discharge in 1945.

Richard married Mary L. Fuller on March 28, 1942 at the First Presbyterian Parsonage in Gouverneur with Rev. Schofield officiating. He worked as a welder and lead hand foreman at CIVES Steel in Gouverneur until his retirement in January of 1983. He and his wife lived in Russell then moved to the Gouverneur area, then moved back to Russell in 1997. He was a member of the G. Silas Wainwright VFW Post #6338. He enjoyed hunting.

Surviving is his wife, Mary L. Sawyer of Russell; a daughter and son-in-law, Judy M. and Charles Tupper of Russell; three sons and daughters-in-law, Rodney L. and Joanna Sawyer of Aiken, SC, Jerome (Buzz) and Susan Sawyer of Hermon and Richard F. and Donna Sawyer Jr. of Gouverneur; a sister, Charlotte Gillett of Spragueville; and 10 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.

Richard was predeceased by four brothers, Leighton, Cecil, Donald and Lawrence Sawyer; and a sister, Beulah Lashua.

Donations may be made in Richard’s memory to Russell United Methodist Church.