Edward F. "Tom" Sawyer

In Loving Memory of

Edward F. (Tom) Sawyer

January 9, 1933 - July 27, 2023

Beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, and dear friend Tom Sawyer passed away at his home of more than 50 years on Bastrop Bayou surrounded by family.

Tom was born in Houston, Texas on January 9, 1933, to Edward Felix Sawyer, Sr. and Rose Ventoreno. The fourth of five children, Tom was the only boy for fourteen years when Richard Louis was born. Tom was close to all of his sisters, Rosalie, Pauline, Laura and his younger brother Richard and enjoyed these relationships throughout his life.

Tom graduated from San Jacinto High School in Houston. He got his first job at the age of eleven working for Pure Oil gas station on Telephone Road. By the time he was seventeen years old, he was working on the docks of the Houston Ship Channel. One year later he joined the United States Navy. He honorably served his country for the next four years and served in the Korean War.

Tom met the love of his life, Phoebe Elizabeth Dugan and they were married on August 15, 1956. Together they raised a family, shared their lives and provided a remarkable example of unconditional love, deep faith, and understanding for their four children, nine grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

Tom's career took him from Cox's Butane Gas in Houston to Baker Oil Tool where he began a lifelong career with maintenance in the petrochemical industry. He worked with many people, made lifelong friends, and made his mark working for Mallay Industrial and Marine Services, Maencor Inc., Aalborg Ciserv Houston, Inc., AB Bo Marine Works, The Fab Shop and Coastal Machine where he worked until the age of 86.

Tom had a passion for fishing, floundering, and oystering which began as a young boy with his father and family. He in turn shared this passion with his own children. They spent countless hours fishing the waters of Galveston, Freeport, Matagorda and made many great trips to the Chandeleur Islands out of Mississippi. In later years he greatly enjoyed keeping "a hook in the water" at their home on Bastrop Bayou.

Tom shared a unique wit and wisdom with all those he met, and he never met a stranger. He was a man who knew the value of a hard day's work and he valued honesty. He was a fiercely loyal friend, mentor and above all else a dedicated family man.

Tom is preceded in death by his beloved wife Phoebe, son Barney, daughter-in-law Charlotte and grandson Caleb. He is survived by son Tom of Kaufman, Texas, son Willie (Laurie) of Angleton, daughter Bird (Charlie) of Humble, Texas. Grandchildren Jeana, TJ (Shelly), Cara, Sara (Miguel), Matthew (Anthony), Kim, Carl, Carmen, and eight great grandchildren.

Our family would like to thank the Hospice nurses at IPH, especially Taleena, Laura, Christina, and Morgan for your help, support, and loving care during our Daddy's last month.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at Palms Funeral Home in Angleton, Texas with visitation from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. and service to follow from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you made donations to your favorite children's charity in memory of Tom Sawyer.