Matthew (Matt) Joseph Sawyer departed this earth early in the morning at his home on February 2, 2025, surrounded by family, at the age of 46. Yes, it was Groundhog Day because, as a close friend remarked, “Of course he did.”

Matt made his appearance (a month late) on December 28, 1978. It was a frigid, snowy early morning arrival, which perhaps prepared him for early morning hunting trips that he enjoyed so much. However, mornings as an aircraft mechanic at Tinker Air Force Base brought out his “don’t talk to me until I’ve had 3 cups of coffee” persona. In spite of that, he spent nearly 20 years skillfully fabricating sheet metal parts and trading pranks with his work buddies somehow without getting fired.

His independent nature was always apparent. After his first day of kindergarten, Matt announced, “I’m not going back. I already know everything.” This disregard for formal education persisted until a high school history teacher brought the Old West to life in a way that finally grabbed Matt’s attention, which might be why he could quote the movie Tombstone in its entirety.

His array of interests include patriotism, the 2nd Amendment, and crafting homemade traditional bows at OJAM. He also loved hunting deer from the back porch with said bows. Efficient, right? Oh, and fishing. Yeah, despite the whiskey, he managed to catch a few. He even did some deep-sea fishing off the beach in Corpus. Speaking of whiskey, Matt was an avid believer in the notion that “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere” and would gladly honor that sentiment with friends and a drink, including sharing his Crown & Coke with Memaw. Matt shot pool in a league, which landed him a trip to Vegas, and he might or might not have hustled a few people for some cash. Who can say? I mean, a guy’s gotta eat.

He enjoyed grilling food for pit crews at car races and spending weekends at the speed boat races at the lake. He was a car collector, a welder, and a skilled marksman and gunsmith. Matt loved throwing parties at his house–eating, drinking, mud bogging, and various other shenanigans. Once he even tossed in a two-minute wedding ceremony just to keep people on their toes. (Whoever fired the shotgun at the end, well played.) He cooked a mean steak on the grill and made people laugh (or cry) with his blunt honesty. He would do anything to help his friends and family but had, let’s say, strong opinions about people not using common sense.

One of his biggest dreams come true was designing and building his own barndominium, and with a lot of hard work and the help of amazing friends, he made it happen. Then there was Cozumel. Basically, he wouldn’t shut up about it. He fell in love with the cobalt blue water, the dive bars, and the ceviche. Just like the friend who first introduced him to paradise, he made it his mission to bring others along for the ride. For someone who always said he was born 100 years too late, he sure embraced the beach life. He felt as at home in Hey Dudes, shorts and his stark white legs as he did in Wranglers, cowboy boots, and camo.

He is preceded in death by his father, Joe Allen Sawyer, and grandparents John & Martha Cunningham and John & Hazel Sawyer. Survivors include his mother, Gloria (Cunningham) Sawyer of Chandler, OK; sister, Amanda (Mandy) Sawyer and John Hammond of Edmond, OK; cousins, aunts, uncles, and countless friends who love him.

His life encompassed a host of adventures, making his mark on all our hearts. Smart, ornery, stubborn, and a heart of gold. He is loved profoundly and is missed fiercely. To all of that he would shrug and say … “It is what it is.” 

A celebration of Matt's life will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the Nazarene Church in Davenport. Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.