Joseph Sawyer

Joseph Sawyer, 62, passed away Wednesday at his residence in Marmaduke. He was born in Nortfolk, Virginia on May 18, 1958 to Norman and Mary Hadley Sawyer. Upon graduation, Joe went to work at Norfolk Shipbuilding & Dry Dock where he entered and completed a 4 year welding apprenticeship and worked for 25 years, learning his trade well. Joe moved to Arkansas in 1999 and opened his own business, M&J Welding, Inc. where he proudly served the community for 20 years until he was forced to retire due to illness. He was very proud of his heritage and loved his family. Joe was so proud of his son and daughter in law, Will and Meagan for serving our country in the United States Air Force. He was a Christian and attended Oak Grove Heights Church of Christ. He would talk to anyone about all the above with passion.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Mary Sawyer; brothers, Walter and Michael Sawyer; in-laws, Bill and Sylvia Lovelady; and brother-in-law, Tommy Chastain.

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Michelle, of the home; son and precious daughter-in-law, Will and Meagan; brothers, Tommy (Sherry) and Richard (Linda); sisters, Priscilla and Patricia (Layton); aunts, Shirley Baldwin and Donnie Baldwin; and extended family, the Longenbaugh and Baldwin family.

Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00-11:00 am at Heath Funeral Home. Funeral service will begin in the chapel at 11:00 am with Tommy Pitcher officiating. Burial to follow at Gainesville cemetery. To leave a lasting memorial contribution, please consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online guestbook; www.heathfuneralhome.com.

A special thanks to St. Bernard's Hospice team that took such wonderful, loving care of Joe. Also, a special thanks to all of the family and friends that have been so supportive.

In order to comply with CDC guidelines, there is a limitation of 80 people allowed inside the facility at one time. Face masks are required inside the building and friends are asked to practice social distancing.