Donald Sayre

Donald George Sayre, 60, died the evening of November 11, 2016 at his home in Jefferson with his wife, Ann by his side. Following his wishes, he was cremated. A visitation was held with the family present to greet friends on Saturday, November 19 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Honorary bearers are “The Grandchildren:” Kya Parsons, Charlee Cunningham, Mya Sayre, Titus Sayre, Cora Sayre, Brayden Olson, Jaxson Olson, Kole Higgins, Kendra Higgins, Kenton Higgins, Faith Louk, Joplin Baugh, Rachel Gordon, Shawn Gordon, Liam Gordon, Kane Gordon, River Cunningham and Stormy Cunningham. Memorials are suggested to the family. Online condolences may be left at www.sliningerschroeder.com.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Ann Sayre of Jefferson; his children: Jessica (Kriss) Higgins of Grand Junction, Christopher (Liz) Sayre of Des Moines, Melissa (Jason) Larson of Jefferson and Amanda (Dylan) Olson of Des Moines; his siblings: Dean (Gail) Sayre, David (Lori) Sayre and Daniel (Bessie) Sayre all of Jefferson, Duane (Rachel) Sayre of San Jose, Calif. and Darlene (Martin) Paup of Alta, Iowa; step-children: Mike (Tiff) Day of Ankeny, Meghan (Matt) Gordon of Jefferson and Stacie (Colby) Baugh of Ames; grandchildren: Kole, Kendra, Kenton, Mya, Titus, Cora, Kya, Charlee, Brayden, Jaxson, Faith, Joplin, Rachel, Shawn, Liam, Kane, River and Stormy; other relatives and friends.

Donnie was born January 15, 1956, a Navy brat in Oakland, California. He was one of six children born to Bernard and Frieda Sayre. Since Bernie was in the Navy, the family moved a lot making stops in California, Florida, New Jersey and Illinois before making Jefferson their forever home in 1971.  

Donnie graduated from Jefferson High School in 1975, which is the same year that he married Linda (Henry). It was a busy year for the young couple as they also became young parents that year. Over the course of 18 years of marriage, they managed to have four WONDERFUL children.

Donnie was the outdoors type, free spirited, fun loving husband and father whom enjoyed hiking, camping, walking the park trails and most of all loved rock hunting whether it was arrowheads, agates, fossils ... he could tell you exactly what it was. He absolutely adored his dogs and spent a lot of time going for rides in his car or going for rides on the bike ... bicycle that is. Most people would probably know him enjoying his favorite past time which would be the free road ahead of him ... he loved to ride his Harley ... Shovelhead to be exact. I’ll never forget him telling me right before our road trip to Sturgis, “It’s not about the destination, it’s all in how you get there.” RIP ol’ man, you’ll be greatly missed!! Fly high pa ... until we meet again.