Mark Twain "Buz" Sawyer

Mark Twain “Buz” Sawyer, 88, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2024, at a local hospital. Buz was born on December 3, 1935, in Los Angeles, California to Bob and Selma Sawyer. 

 He graduated from Amphitheater High School in Tucson, AZ and, following high school, served in the U. S. Navy from 1955 – 1975 achieving the rank of MU1 – Petty Officer 1st Class, Musician. He was a talented trumpet player in the U.S. Navy Show Band and entertained our troops around the world. He was also an avid motorcycle enthusiast and proud to have earned an “Iron Butt” award for riding 1100 miles within 24 hours. He enjoyed family, friends, walking and good food.

He was preceded in death by his parents, only sibling, Jocelyn Marie Sawyer-Evans and granddaughter Amanda Sawyer.

Buz is survived by his loving wife, Nerissa Castillo Sawyer; sons Lance Sawyer (Julie) (Coupeville, WA) and Chris Sawyer (Andrea) (El Paso, TX); daughters Janice Klein (Karl) (Pocatello, ID) and Jill Marangoni (Belton, TX). He is also survived by multiple stepchildren, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great- great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. He will be cremated and inurned at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Blackfoot, ID. Many thanks to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9th Ward, Pocatello, ID for all their assistance and support during Buz’s illness. Special thanks to Rebecca, Lolita and Felicidad for all their care, kindness and compassion.

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