Orlie Dean Sawatzky was born on May 11, 1937 in Weatherford, Oklahoma to Orval and Elsie (Penner) Sawatzky and passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2019 in Clinton, Oklahoma having reached the age of 81 years 11 months 23 days.

Orlie was raised west of Weatherford. He attended Gyp Hill Rural School and Corn Bible Academy—where he met Grace and later graduated with the Class of 1955. After high school he attended Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas. On April 27, 1957 he married Grace Wiebe in Corn, Oklahoma. He began painting and laying carpet and tile in the 1960s and worked in that profession for over 20 years. Following those years he went back to his first love, farming and continued with that until his death. He enjoyed being outdoors—especially fishing, hunting and camping. He loved spending time with his family and attending their sporting events.

Orlie is survived by his wife Grace Sawatzky of the home in Weatherford; three sons, Keith Sawatzky and wife Kathy of Weatherford, OK, Steve Sawatzky and wife Bonita of Frisco, TX, and Mike Sawatzky and wife Kerry of Edmond, OK; two brothers, Leroy Sawatzky of Lexington, OK, and Marion Sawatzky of Adams, OK; one sister, Joann Meget of Corinth, TX; twelve grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Richard Sawatzky.