John Douglas Sayers

John Douglas Sayers, 71, was called home to heaven and reunited with his wife, on July 21, 2025. He was the beloved son of Robert and Patricia Sayers. Born in Aberdeen, WA on February 26, 1954, John spent much of his childhood on his family’s farm in Ryderwood, WA, swimming in the nearby creek, riding horses, and caring for the animals. He participated and set records in cross country running during high school and in his military service. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and visiting the beach. 
John married the love of his life, Theresa, on August 6, 1974, beginning their 47-year love story. In 1986 John and Theresa settled in Napavine, WA where they raised their seven children. John was a loving and devoted father and a loyal member of his community. 
John joined the United States Marine Corps in 1972, serving two years before he was honorably discharged. He worked in law enforcement, serving in the Vader, Mossyrock, and Castle Rock WA communities. He would go on to work as a security guard at the Centralia Power Plant before earning a bachelor’s degree from Saint Martin’s University which launched his career in human services. John proudly accepted a position at Maple Lane School, first as a security officer then as a counselor, where he found his niche, working with disadvantaged and high-risk youth. Wanting to do more, he shifted his career and started working for the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families where he would remain until his retirement in 2023, ending a 27-year career for the state of Washington.  
Through the years John served his community by volunteering, coaching youth sports, and umpiring baseball. He dedicated 25 years of his life to the City of Napavine as a member of the planning committee, a city councilman for 16 years, and the mayor for two terms. He truly had a love for the community in which he lived and raised his family.
John is survived by his children Julie (Jim) McNelly, David Sayers, Matt (Cassie) Sayers, John “JR” (Kim) Sayers, Willy Sayers, Diana Sayers, and Alicia (Adam) Rowe, father Robert Sayers, brothers Steve (Grace) Sayers, Bill (Tina) Sayers, Danny (Sherrie) Sayers, sister Susan (John) Franck, grandchildren Timothy, Tanner, Alden, Addison, Avery, Braden, Brody, Hampton, Lennon, Nova, Emily, Gavin, Ian, Courtney, Talon, Octavia, Sakari, Conner, Oliver, and Phoebe, aunt Bessie Smith and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Theresa Sayers, mother Patricia Sayers, and brothers Robert Jr and Earl Sayers.
John was a loved member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He touched many lives, and his legacy will live on through each one. He will be deeply missed and remembered forever. 
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2195 Jackson Hwy in Chehalis, WA, followed by a potluck luncheon at the Chehalis Veterans Memorial Museum. Guests are invited to contribute a dish and encouraged to share their favorite memories of John Sayers. 

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