Jerry Lee Sawyer

Jerry Lee Sawyer, 82, of North Platte, Nebraska died April 6, 2019, at the Great Plains Health Center in North Platte, NE.  He was born September 26, 1936, to Skeet and Tom Sawyer at Sargent, Nebraska.  Jerry grew up on the Sawyer Ranch in Loup County near Brewster, NE and graduated from Taylor High School.  He graduated from Kearney State Teachers College, served in the army and went to Korea in the late 1950s

Jerry married the love of his life Clissie Myers on June 18, 1963.  They had two daughters Tylene (Ty) and Michele (Chele) Sawyer.  Jerry dearly loved flying and earned his private pilot license and commercial pilot license and became a Flight Instructor. 

Jerry was an English teacher at Stapleton, NE before moving to North Platte where he worked for Union Pacific Railroad for over 20 years.  His passions were family, flying, and beloved cats, genealogy, wildlife, and antiquing with his wife.

Jerry is survived by his wife Clissie, of North Platte, two daughters Tylene and life partner Afif J. Espindola, Chele (Allen) Koch.  Nine grandchildren Derek (Alexis) Kociemba, Braxton Kociemba, and Fiance’ Lori Thomas. Tatjia (Bob) Hendricks, Tristan Kociemba, Keiana Kociemba, Gabriel Koch, Cayman Koch, Jennah Koch, and Sawyer Koch.  Great-grandchildren Kaison Kociemba, Tyson Kociemba, Abraham Kociemba, Keegan Hendricks, Elijah Hendricks, and Josiah Hendricks.  Memorials may be offered to VFW post 1504 in North Platte, or to Tender Hearts.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at 10:00 A.M. at the Lillian Church of Christ with Rev. Jan Ekstedt, Rev. Roger Sloan, and Pastor Jeff Nielsen officiating. Burial will be in the Gates Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, from 12:00 to 8:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow, NE family greeting from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Govier Brothers are in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.govierbrothers.com.