Paul L. Sayre

Paul Lewis Sayre, 77, of Toledo, Ohio passed away at home on March 11, 2023, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with liver cancer.

Paul was born at home in Marion County, Ohio to Clyde and Mildred (Parsons) Sayre on August 10, 1945. He grew up in La Rue, Ohio and spent his childhood working on the family farm with his eight brothers and one sister. He attended Ridgedale High School (class of 1963), where he excelled in mathematics.

Shortly after high school, Paul met Carole (Gordon) Sayre and begun a seven-month whirlwind romance that led to the pair marrying on September 27, 1964. They spent 58 and a half years together, welcoming three children, 10 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren during that time.

Paul found his lifelong passion on the railroad, where he worked as a train conductor for 41 years, from 1964-2005, ultimately retiring from Norfolk Southern Railway to spend time traveling with Carole.

While he loved his work, Paul would always rather be at home with his family, serving at his church, or on the golf course. He was a longtime member of Heritage Church of God and took pride in his role on the church council. He spent each Wednesday for nearly 15 years serving with his fellow “Men of the Kitchen,” where he cooked dinner before evening services. He also participated in the Heritage Church Golf League, most notably scoring a hole-in-one at Valley Wood Golf Course in 2018 – which he never let anyone forget about.

He was a devoted father and grandfather who told entertaining stories and was always good for a belly laugh. He particularly loved and cherished time with his grandchildren, looking forward to their visits and instilling in them a love of Mr. Freeze’s Ice Cream.

He is survived by his wife, Carole; children, Mark Sayre of Fort Wayne, IN and Karen (Robert) McFarland of Toledo, OH; grandchildren, Heather Cummins, Britney (John) Webster, John (Kellie) Waddell, Evan (Amanda) McFarland, Hilary (Beau) McFarland, Zachary (Catey) McFarland, Andrew Waddell, Zechariah (Alissia) Waddell, and Samuel (Gabrielle) Waddell; three brothers, Ralph (Sally) Sayre, Lloyd (Rita) Sayre, and Frank Sayre, as well as 15 great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Waddell; brothers, Gene Sayre, Leo Sayre, Ray Martin, Warren Sayre, and Lawrence Sayre; and sister, Alice Chandler.

Paul was a follower of God, a loyal family man, and a self-proclaimed comedian who will be missed and remembered by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many other lives he touched.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life, which will be held at Heritage Church of God, 3520 Strayer Rd

Maumee, Oh 43537, on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Visitation will be from noon – 1 p.m., with a service at 1 p.m. and luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heritage Church of God’s Benevolence Fund, which goes toward supporting families in need.