Steven Sawyers

Steven Ray Sawyers, a skilled welder and resolute outdoorsman, passed away on August 31, 2023, at AllianceHealth in Ponca City, Oklahoma after a courageous battle with cancer.

On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, a graveside service to honor Steve’s memory will commence at 11:30 AM at the Fairfax City Cemetery with Pastor Lewis Bernard officiating. Services are under the direction of Hunsaker Wooten Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest beside his parents’ gravesite.

Steven was born on June 25, 1955, at the historic Hamill Hospital in Fairfax to Eddie Glenn 'Jake' and Emmalue (Yandell) Sawyers. Growing up Steven became known simply as "Steve" and was the second of five children. He completed his education in Fairfax, attending all twelve grades alongside his Red Devil classmates before graduating in 1973.

Soon after high school, Steve embarked on a career in the oilfields of picturesque Osage County. Later, he discovered his passion for welding and made it his life-long profession. He moved to Ponca City to pursue work opportunities and eventually returned to his beloved Fairfax. After several years of employment at Ditch Witch in Perry, he retired in 2018.

Beyond the welding booth, Steve was an avid outdoorsman who found solace in God’s creation. From an early age, he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors – whether casting a line while fishing, tending to his garden, or embarking on hunting expeditions. His keen hunting skills were so exceptional, and luck was always on his side. In fact, he earned the moniker “Lucky’ due to his uncanny ability to consistently succeed in a successful hunt – once even shooting a buck in the early morning hours from the comfort of his own back porch!

Those who knew Steve remember him as an amiable and caring person. He was blessed with four children Carrie, Deven, Travis, and Raeann. One of his greatest passions was spending time with his family, especially his stepdaughter Stephanie whom he helped raise and her children Emily, Rachel, Joseph, and Curtis. Steve’s impact on those around him will be deeply missed.

Steve is survived by his devoted companion Debbie Golay-Sawyers; his children Carrie, Deven, Travis, Raeann and stepdaughter Stephanie; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; his mother Emmalue; his four siblings Margaret (Roger) Davy, Barbara (Gary) Clement, David Sawyers, and Annette (Luke) Lewis. Additionally, numerous friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was reunited in heaven with his father Jake Sawyers; grandparents Arie and Mary Yandell, Hazel Rankins, and Stanton Sawyers.

In honoring Steve’s memory, his family kindly requests contributions be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

The family would like to send a heart-felt thank you to Debbie, his companion for the last 23 years, for the constant and loving care she gave to Steve during this last year and for standing beside him until the very end. 

Steve’s online guestbook may be signed at: www.hunsakerwootenfuneralhome.com

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Steven Ray Sawyers. May he rest in eternal peace.