- Date Of Birth: August 15, 1945
- Date Of Death: May 20, 2023
- State: Ohio
Thomas Charles “Tom” Sawyer, 77, of Akron, passed away May 20, 2023.
Tom is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joyce (née Handler); daughter and son-in-law, Amanda (Daniel) Kraus of Evanston, Illinois; brother and sister-in-law, Ted (Margie) Sawyer of Jupiter, FL. It was clear to all who knew him that Akron and Summit County were his extended family.
Tom was born to Jean (née Galloway) and Furman Sawyer on August 15, 1945, as Akron was celebrating V-J Day and the end of World War II. Growing up in Akron, he graduated from Buchtel High School. Tom earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in English and Education from the University of Akron. He began his professional career as a teacher in the Cleveland Public Schools. He later worked as an administrator at a state school for adjudicated youth. After working on campaigns for President and Ohio Governor, Sawyer served as a legislative analyst at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
As State Representative Tom Sawyer (1976-1983), his distinguished achievements in a wide range of issue areas earned him the honor of being selected as one of the 10 best Ohio Legislators in a survey of Columbus Monthly Magazine. He served on the Board of Regents for the Governance of Higher Education. Providing leadership on Ohio’s education policies, he served as Chairman of the Ohio House Education Committee. Tom was Vice Chairman of both the Public Utilities and Energy and Environment Committees.
As Mayor Tom Sawyer (1983-1986), he was the first Democrat to win the position in 20 years. He set a new course for the city’s economic growth which included support for aggressive research and development strategies in the global tire and rubber business and in elevating the role of polymers in the economic future of Northeast Ohio. In addition, as Mayor he strengthened police, fire and paramedic forces, balancing Akron’s budget ….without raising taxes. He restored the city’s broken and financially troubled Recycle Energy System.
As Congressman Tom Sawyer (1986-2002), he continued his life-long career of creating a legacy of accomplishments aimed at helping constituents solve their problems, deal with various levels of bureaucracy and improve governmental systems to better serve the public. Some highlights include: Through his Chairmanship of the House Subcommittee on the Census and Population, Tom conducted oversight of the 1990 Census and helped prepare for the 2000 Census. This led to new and flexible standards for reporting on race and ethnicity. As an example, people can now report more than one race to accurately reflect who they believe themselves to be. Congressman Sawyer authored and built a bipartisan coalition to enact the National Literacy Act of 1991. In addition, he helped to sponsor the Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Improvement Act which created a National Clearing House for Science, Mathematics and Technology materials located at the Ohio State University.
He participated in creating and leading “Bipartisan Congressional Retreats” which were designed to foster civility in working relationships between the parties. Tom was instrumental in shaping energy policy, fighting to assure that any federal electricity restructuring plan included provisions protecting the reliability of transmission networks. In addition, Sawyer’s long-time interest in inter-parliamentary exchange continued throughout his 16 years in Congress.
His term as Member of the Ohio Board of Education was marked by what he described as “brevity of service” prior to his being appointed to an unexpired seat in the Ohio Senate in 2006.
As State Senator Tom Sawyer (2006-2016), he continued to work on legislation that he felt would improve the quality of life of Ohioans. As an example, he was responsible for the enactment of a bill which authorized the court to require people who engage in stalking and against whom a civil order of protection has been granted, be electronically monitored. This was in response to a problem brought to his attention by a constituent.
Often described as dedicated and thoughtful, Tom had many interests outside of the governmental roles he held. He was an expert at solving crossword puzzles daily, and always the teacher, gave instructions on technique to his staff. Tom taught himself to play the harmonica. Family holiday cards were collaborations with his contribution being the artwork and concepts. Tom’s gumbo won first prize in the “Men Who Cook” competition. He relished a good meal, especially if it was spicy. The family dog, “Penny” a rescue that we came to call a “North Hill Shepweiler”, was a fixture near his chair. Tom had elegant handwriting and a masterful writing style. Describing his interests must include Formula One car racing which he followed with stopwatch in hand. Family and friends will recall trips to the Indianapolis 500 in multiple years.
So many words could be used to describe Tom Sawyer. He was indeed a unique individual who will remain with love in the hearts and memories of all who knew him. Intelligent, honest, interesting, adventurous, loyal, complex….. The world is a better place and those of us who remain will miss him deeply.
Special gratitude is offered by his family to the staff of Heather Knoll and Wellspring Hospice for their compassionate care.
