LAKELAND, Fla. – Clara Mae (Harris) Sawyer died Dec. 28, 2020, at the age of 88, in Lakeland, Fla., with her family by her side. She was born at her grandparent’s home north of Morrill, Neb. on Oct. 23, 1932, to C. Lafe Harris and Mary (Hardesty) Harris.
She started school at the age of four in a one-room schoolhouse not far from her home. In 1941, the family moved to Torrington where she grew up, attending the Torrington schools and graduating from Torrington High School in 1950. Following graduation, she attended the University of Wyoming and Torrington Community College, graduating with a two year teaching certificate. She met Frank H. Sawyer, who was stationed at Frances E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne and they were married Feb. 3, 1952, at the Torrington Methodist Church. They lived on many bases during their life and to this union four children were born. Frank Lafe Sawyer (Massachusetts), Larry Michael Sawyer (Deceased), Laurie Susan Johnson (Florida) and Linda Leanne Haas (Texas).
She is survived by three children; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Marion Weickum of Idaho; 1 brother-in-law, Dailey Sawyer of Key West, Florida and many cousins. Preceding her in death were her husband; one son; her parents and grandparents and a brother-in-law.
Burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, where her husband is buried. Date to be determined.
