FARMINGTON – Lawrence Robert Sawtelle, 85, a resident of Otis Street, Jay, died early Thursday morning, May 10, at Franklin Memorial Hospital following a long illness.

He was born July 11, 1921, in Oakland, the son of Roy and Georgia (Gerry) Sawtelle. He attended school in Wilton.

He served from 1942 to 1946 in the U.S. Army during World War II.

On July 7, 1950, he married Marie Clair Grondin of Chisholm.

He worked for 17 years at the Wilton Woolen Mill, then as a truck driver for International Paper at the Otis and Androscoggin mills in Jay, retiring in 1985. He was a quarter century member of International Paper Co., a member of D.A.V., a lifetime member of Frank L. Mitchell V.F.W. Post 3335, and AMVETS Post 33. He was also a volunteer driver for the V.A., transporting people to Togus, putting on 2,500 miles in 2002.

He is survived by his wife, Marie, of Jay; his son, Lawrence Sawtelle of Jay; three brothers, Leo Paul Sawtelle of Winthrop, Reggie Sawtelle of Jay, and Rodney Sawtelle of Wilton; a sister, Dorothy Sawtelle of Jay; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Jeffery Sawtelle, in 1967; three brothers, Woodruff, Roy and David Sawtelle; and a sister, Caroline Sawtelle.