Donald Lee Saylor, a resident of Mexico, died on June 20, 2021 at the age of 71 after a long battle with liver and colon cancer.
Don is survived by his wife, Sherry Ann Saylor (née Terry) of Mexico; his children, Donald Lee Saylor Jr. (Vicki Dillon) of Auxvasse, Rebecca Saylor Kirson (Joel Kirson) of Big Canoe, Ga., and Daniel Saylor (Michelle Glynn Saylor) of Woodstock, Ga.; his grandchildren, Lacy Saylor of Auxvasse and Dane Saylor of Woodstock, Ga.; his brother, John L Saylor of Villa Ridge, Barbara Parham of Springfield, Cindy Long of Mapleton, Ill., and Debora Saylor of Tucson, Ariz.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, John L Saylor and Dorothy Beach of Laddonia; brothers, Robert Saylor of St. Louis, James Saylor of Laddonia, and Bill Saylor of Copenhagen, Denmark; a sister, Helen Huber of Sierra Madre, Calif.; and one granddaughter, Aiden Grace Lafferty of Marietta, Ga. He was the youngest son of nine children.
Don was born in Mexico, on Oct. 25, 1950 to John L. Saylor and Dorothy Beach of Laddonia. He graduated from Community R-6 in 1969 and was drafted into the Army serving as a medic from 1969 to 1971. He worked for A.P. Green Refractories of Mexico, as a mold maker and carpenter from 1969 to April 12, 2002 when the company closed its doors.
On June 30, 1973 he married Sherry from Perry. They would have celebrated their 48 anniversary this month. On Jan. 21,1974, June 21, 1975 and Sept. 28, 1977 respectively, he welcomed his son, Donnie; daughter, Rebecca; and youngest son, Daniel. He was very devoted to his family.
Don loved making friends and missed his co-workers when the company he worked for closed. He was active in his church community, with the World Wide Church of God for over 20 years, and more recently with Rush Hill Community Church in Rush Hill. His other passions included stewardship of 68 acres of land where he spent time in nature and tended to his hive as a beekeeper. He loved animals and in his later years trapped feral cats to have them fixed and relocated to his farm. He was a master gardener and raised organic fruits trees and vegetables for over 40 years which he was happy to share with friends and family.
Services will be at Arnold Funeral Home on Saturday June 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. A graveside service with full military honors will be performed at East Lawn Memorial Cemetery. Rev. Bob Stanford will officiate. A meal will be provided afterwards at Rush Hill Community Church at 5 p.m.
Pallbearers include John L. Saylor, Donnie Saylor, Daniel Saylor, Heath Spencer, Jeremy Heaton and Randy Hall.
Flowers, condolences. and donations made to the Audrain County Humane Society can be sent to Arnold Funeral Home located at 425 S Jefferson St, Mexico, Missouri 65265.
