Eddie Sawyers

Eddie G. Sawyers, life-long Fairfax resident, cast his last line here on this Earth as he headed to his heavenly home where his Savior was waiting with open arms on Sunday evening, June 30, 2019 while a patient in the Ponca City Hospital.  He was 88 years of age.

Eddie was born to Stanton Stanley Sawyers and Hazel Mae Garner-Rankins on Sunday, May 10, 1931 in Fairfax.  During his childhood, Eddie Glen’s Pa, George Washington Garner, affectionately called him “Little Jake.” Not only did the name stick but as he grew older he soon became known as “Jake Sawyers” to family and those who knew him best.  He attended the Fairfax Public School System through all his school years.

On July 22, 1948, he married the love of his life, Emmalue Yandell in Fairfax.  They had a collaborative and caring relationship which was based on mutual support and a deep love for each other.  The couple would have celebrated 71 years of marriage this July.  They were blessed with five wonderful children.

As a young man he worked for Pease Oil Co. where he learned to be an accomplished bulldozer operator.  He was featured in magazines showing his skills and talent for driving the large machinery.  In the early 1960’s the family moved to the city lake.  His job with the City of Fairfax Water Department included overseeing the chemicals used in drinking water; reading meters monthly; installing new meters when necessary, and watching over the lake.

After retiring and moving back to town, you would see him heading out in his white Chevy truck with boat in tow for a day of fishing.  Jake was also known to share his “catch” with friends and neighbors.  Often times, Emmalue would join him for a day on the lake.  In more recent years, you could find him at Brandy’s visiting with others over a cup of coffee in the early morning hours.

In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, camping, and visiting especially when it included family and friends.  The family enjoyed camping and fishing along the Arkansas River and Kaw Lake area.  One of his greatest enjoyments was teaching his sons to hunt and fish and in later years his grandchildren.

Most of all, Jake loved his family and loved to tell others about Jesus Christ his Savior.  God not only called the fisherman home but one of his most dedicated Saints.  Jake attended the Full Gospel Assembly in Fairfax where he served his Lord as a Sunday School teacher for 52 years; a song leader; and a deacon.  His Christian life was a model for his family and others who knew him; his influence will forever remain in our lives.

He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife and best friend of the home, Emmalue; adored children, Margaret, Steve, Barbara, David, and Annette; thirteen grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and a ‘handful’ of great-great grandchildren; brother, Don Lady and sister, Brenda Sue (Rankins) Sadler and many caring hometown friends and church family.

He joined in heaven his mother, Hazel Rankins (Oct. 1999) and father, Stanton Sawyers (March 2003).

Reflecting on Jake's spirited life as a Christian husband, dad, granddad, and friend we leave you with this prayer ...

Fisherman's Prayer

God grant that I may fish until my dying day.

And when I come to my last cast.

I'll then most humbly pray.

When in the Lord's safe landing net,

I'm peacefully asleep.

That in His mercy I'l be judged

As good enough to keep.