Mearl M. 'Sonny' Sawyer, 96

Mearl M. “Sonny” Sawyer of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away peacefully Dec. 15, 2021, at the Schneidmiller House-Hospice of North Idaho.

Mearl was born Feb. 7, 1925, in Sioux City, S.D., to parents Nina and Mearl Joy Sawyer.

Mearl served his country as a WWII veteran of the Army Air Corp.

He enjoyed fishing with the boys, western movies, road trips and spending time with his family. He spent much of his prime living and working on Palomar Mountain in San Diego County, Calif., as a jack-of-all-trades, county park ranger and community character. He left a positive impression wherever he went. He married his wife, Norma, in 1978. From there, many adventures, travel and additional family members were added. Mearl & Norma traveled often and settled in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Mearl is survived by his son, David Sawyer, stepdaughters Alica Harrell and husband Larry Harrell, Phyllis Stookey and husband Jack, Sam Mast, Gary Maupin, Iola Jones and husband Steve Jones, Janet Brock and husband Bill Brock. He also has several grand, great and great-great grandchildren that he loved and held dear in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma D. Sawyer.

Funeral Service for Mearl will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 22, at Yates Funeral Home at 744 N. Fourth St. in Coeur d’Alene. Visitation is one hour prior to the services at the chapel. Mearl was a WWII veteran and served his country in the Army Air Corps. His final interment with Military honors will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens, 7315 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815

Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. Online registry and condolences may be found at yatesfuneralhome.com.