Lima, Ohio
John Franklin Sawmiller, 88, passed away January 5, 2023, at 2:00 pm, at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center.
John was born May 24, 1934, in Wapakoneta, OH, to Alma and Nellie (Balthaeser) Sawmiller who both preceded him in death. On December 28, 1957, he married Janet (Newland) Sawmiller who preceded him in death on December 3, 2012.
John graduated from New Knoxville High School in 1952. He then enlisted and served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged after three years of service. John was a rural mail carrier at the Post Office in Waynesfield and retired after roughly forty years . He was a member of First Baptist Church in Lima. John was also a proud 32nd Degree Mason and member at Wayne Lodge #569. He was an avid coin collector and animal lover. He enjoyed watching various Westerns in his free time. John was a family man and cherished his children and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
John is survived by his children, Jill Sawmiller of Lima, OH, Jed (Carol) Sawmiller of Spring Valley, OH, brother, Forrest “Frog” (June) Sawmiller of Wapakoneta, OH, grandchildren, Bradley Stubbs of Cincinnati, OH, Spencer Stubbs of Toledo, OH, Nicholas “Nick” Sawmiller of Spring Valley, OH, and Benjamin “Ben” Sawmiller of Spring Valley, OH.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Ruth (Francis) Loegel, Sarah “Saide” (Herbert) Harsh, Carl (Echo) Sawmiller, William “Bill” (Doris) Sawmiller, and Gary Sawmiller.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 1:00pm at CHILES – LAMAN FUNERAL HOMES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL. Rev. Steven Harsh to officiate the service. Burial will be in Willow Branch Cemetery following the service with military honors provided by the United States Army.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the SHAWNEE CHAPEL with a Masonic Service held immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wayne Lodge #569, in care of Shannon Rumer, 377 South Walnut Street, Harrod, OH 45850.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.