Gary Monroe Sayers Sr.

Gary Monroe Sayers Sr., age 70, of Warren, Ohio passed away peacefully at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Florida on Monday, June 21, 2021, from complications stemming from a two-month battle with COVID-19. At his hospital bedside was his wife of 51 years, Darlene Sayers, and sons Gary Sayers Jr. and Eric Sayers.

Son of Edward and Donna Sayers, Gary was born in Warren, Ohio on April 11, 1951. He is survived by the love of his life, Darlene Derico Sayers; son Gary Monroe Sayers Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia, Cannon (wife), grandchildren Frankie and Trey Sayers; son Eric John Sayers of Tampa, Florida, Nicole (wife), grandchildren Logan and Cameron Sayers; brothers Vaughn Sayers of Warren, Ohio and Ed Sayers of Zephyrhills, Florida; sisters Penny Ruddick of Padre Island, Texas, Jeanne Sayers of Padre Island, Texas and Darla Sayers of Warren, Ohio.

Preceding him in death were Gary’s parents, Edward and Donna Sayers, his mother and father in-law, Liz and Angelo Derico, who treated him like a son, and sister in-law, Connie Talstein.

Gary graduated from Howland High School in 1969 and married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Derico, in Warren, Ohio on November 8, 1969. After living in the Warren vicinity for a few years, Gary and Darlene moved to Fowler, Ohio to raise their healthy, happy family.

Gary retired from Delphi/Packard Electric after 30 years, where he was an elected union representative, serving a key role in helping to provide worker rights and benefits. While living in Warren, Ohio, Gary and Darlene were the classic snowbirds in retirement, yet Gary preferred to call them âsunbirds,ã wanting to âgo where the sun isã, owning a house in Cape Coral, FL, before recently moving to St. Petersburg, FL. They both retired at the young age of 50 and enjoyed retirement immensely, being with family, traveling, playing golf, boating, attending his grandchildrens’ sporting events and working on their rental homes. Gary always made himself available to lend a helping hand to his friends and family.

Gary was a lifelong fan of the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns and Ohio State Buckeyes, a member of the Ali Baba Grotto, where he served as a Monarch, the Moose Lodge, and the Masons. He also served as president of Fowler Baseball and was a coach to many of his sons’ baseball teams. Gary and Darlene are members of Howland United Methodist Church and former members of the Fowler United Methodist Church.

Gary’s outgoing personality, fantastic sense of humor, humble nature and ability to talk with anyone made him loved by many. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Thanks to everyone who reached out to him and his immediate family in his last few, difficult weeks.

A memorial service for this beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend will be held at a future date.

Should friends and family desire to make memorial contributions, donations may be made in Gary’s name to the Salvation Army at SalvationArmy.org or 270 Franklin St.SE, Warren, Ohio 44483.