Thomas Lea Sawyer

Thomas Lea Sawyer, 73, of Derby, KS, passed away on April 6, 2025.

Tom was born on August 19, 1951, in Wichita, KS, and was adopted at birth by Tom and Louise

Sawyer. He spent many years working at Coleman and his parents’ business, Tom Sawyer

Bicycle Shop.

A graduate of Wichita Southeast High School, Tom was drafted into the Army during the

Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge shortly after boot camp. In 1975, he married

his high school sweetheart, Ginger Shelton.

Tom loved fishing, bowling, and golfing with his family. A member of the Kansas Federation of

Fishermen, he traveled to tournaments across the state. He was passionate about Hot Wheels,

always bringing his track and cars along with each move he and Ginger made. A longtime

member of Zion United Methodist Church, Tom sang in the choir and played on the church

softball and bowling teams.

Tom was also a lifelong collector, buyer, and seller of baseball cards and memorabilia. He had an

incredible mind for numbers, could memorize movie scripts, comedy routines, and baseball stats

with ease. He was a devoted fan of the Beatles, peanut butter sandwiches, and QuikTrip coffee.

After facing several health challenges, Tom and Ginger moved to Westview of Derby, where they

spent every day together until his passing.

Tom is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Ginger; sister and brother-in-law Cindy and

Charlie Tannehill; nephews Adam (Nicole) and Matthew (Theresa); great-nieces Sawyer and

Olivia; great-nephew Noah; and his faithful four-legged pup, Chrissy. He was preceded in death

by his parents, Tom and Louise Sawyer, and his in-laws, Wayne and Virginia Shelton.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 12:00 PM at White Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kansas Humane Society in memory of Tom, to

honor Chrissy and the many dogs he loved throughout his life.