Sayre, John August 14, 1941 - January 10, 2022

John Robert Sayre was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia on August 14, 1941, the son of John Ray Sayre
and Evelyn Gorrell Sayre. John grew up with two younger brothers, David and Donald. His elementary school years
were spent living in Florida and southern California before his parents bought a small farm outside Stockton,
Missouri.
In high school he worked at a local gas station pumping gas and changing tires, and at the Stockton movie
theater where he spliced films and ran the movie projector. He moved to Kansas City after his graduation from
Stockton High School in 1960 and worked at Hallmark for several years.
John met Fay Messick through a blind date on May 5, 1961. They were married on September 30, 1962
and honeymooned in Colorado Springs, Colorado, before starting their lives together in Kansas City. In addition to
working at Hallmark, John attended mechanics school and became an expert at something he always enjoyed doing
– working on engines and cars.
In 1966 John enlisted in the United States Navy. His duty stations included Whiting Field in Florida and
Barber’s Point on Oahu, Hawaii. John was recognized for his outstanding work in the Navy many times, including
honors like Airman of the Month when serving in Hawaii. John and Fay’s Navy years were blessed with John
having shore duty throughout all his time in the Navy, allowing them to be home together and start a family.
John retired from Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad at age 62 after 32 years of service. His railroad
career included mentoring apprentices and serving as a union steward and general chairman for the local IBEW.
John attended college via night school graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. He continued to serve in the
Navy as a reservist and retired from the Navy after 20 years.
John was a 7+ year cancer survivor, with God’s miraculous help overcoming Stage 3 cancer so he could
have more time with his family. His last two years had included the struggles of congestive heart failure, and he
pushed on so he could live beside his bride, the love of his life, Fay, as long as he possibly could.
They had embarked on a new adventure together – opting to move to Colorado where the climate was
easier on their joints and the mountains were in view. They were staying with Lisa & Tony when John had a health
emergency that opened his gate into Heaven.
John was saved on July 6, 1980, when he and Fay both asked Jesus into their lives, together at the same
alter.
John is preceded in death by his parents John Ray & Evelyn Sayre of Stockton, Missouri and his parents-in-
law Floyd “Bike” and Ina Messick of El Dorado Springs, Missouri.
John is survived by Ellen Fay (Messick) Sayre, his wife of 59 years, and by his children and grandchildren:
Lori & Everett Worthington, and grandson Brock; Lisa and Tony Keller, and grandson Lance; as well as beloved
brothers, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and their families.
John loved being with Fay and family and in his failing health he knew Jesus was waiting with open arms
and Jesus would keep taking care of loved ones here on earth until they can be reunited forever in Heaven.