Donald Richard Sawn

Donald Richard Sawn, better known as Rick, was born on March 7th, 1951 to Otis Sawn and Agnes Kelly Sawn, in Springfield, Massachusetts. While still a young boy, his family moved to Florida, where he continued to grow up. At the age of 17 he joined the US Army and was stationed in Germany as a Combat Medic. After the Army, he joined the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. Once his enlistment ended, he returned to Arkansas, where his father had relocated to.

Known for his quick wit and constant supply of jokes, Rick could walk into any room, strike up a conversation and leave everyone smiling. His catalog of jokes was endless, and he never missed a beat on the punch lines.

Rick loved to work with his hands. Creating, building or transforming pieces in his workshop was his passion. From rocking horses, doll cradles and backyard kitchens, he crafted lasting memories for his grandchildren. He could build or repair just about anything. Power tools were his toys of choice. Those who knew him, knew him as The Tool Man. To quote Tim the Tool Man, “More Power”! “ Argh Argh Argh!” A little known fact is that, in his early years, one of his odd jobs was cutting and loading firewood to sell with his good friend, Doug. Doug coined the two of them “Black Jack Shellac and Dirty Pierre’”. Guess who Dirty Pierre’ was.

Rick was a lifelong sports fan. In his younger years he refereeing girls basketball, and loved every moment of it. Once during a game, a player suddenly fell to the floor. Rick rushed in and performed CPR to revive her. Kelly Laird survived and to Rick’s delight, reunited with her just a few years ago.

Rick also loved football. He became a lifelong fan of Arkansas Razorbacks and Miami Dolphins, and supported them even during a losing season. His wife, Aimee, sewed a fleece football for him, so he could have one in the house and not break something during the heat of a game.

Rick believed in God and never lost his faith in Jesus Christ. The experience of being burned and in a burn unit restored his faith, and to a much deeper level. Rick knew where he was going once his earthly days were complete. He knew that he would be in heaven with our Heavenly Father.

Rick leaves behind his loving wife, Aimee, his daughters Sonya and Kristy, eight grandchildren and a blended family of three more adult children and four additional grandchildren, all of whom he loved with all his heart.

Today, as we say goodbye to a man that we all loved deeply, we can rest at peace in knowing not only where he is today, but in knowing he loved each and every one of us

Graveside service will be at 11:00 AM at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, OK on Thursday, September 25, 2025, with full military honors. A celebration of life will follow at Rick & Aimee’s home in Sand Springs.

Family and friends are invited to share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family of Donald Richard Sawn entrusted his care, cremation, and service to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515.