Homer Sawyer was born June 7, 1940, as one of 12 children to William and Maude Sparkman Sawyer of Vest.  Today, he is the father of Charlene Sawyer Hale and Dorothy Sawyer and the proud grandfather of Wyatt Hale.  He is the husband of Wilma Sawyer and son-in-law of Mach and Verna Holliday. Homer and Wilma were married on March 13, 1960.

Homer proudly served two years in the US Army from 1962-64, at Fort Hood, Texas.  Upon completion o his tour of duty in the  armed forces, he returned to Knott County where he has been owner of Sawyer Furniture and & Gun Shop and Sawyers Convenient Market, in addition to a long successful political career.

Homer always felt he could make a difference in Knott County if given the chance and the wonderful people of Knott County gave him that chance by electing him magistrate of district one for 1974 to 1982.  in 1986, he was elected county judge executive and served in this position for a total of 13 years (the longest anyone has ever held this position.)

As magistrate, Homer was involved in obtaining and building the Knott County Human Service Center and swimming pool. Also, during this time he had a part in having the present Knott County Jail built and the renovation of the court house, the parking lot across the street from it and built the Knott Count Nursing Home. These and other projects were done under the able leadership of Judges Sid Williams and Tubby Calhoun.

When Homer began his first term as County Judge Executive, he established the first mandatory garbage system in Knott County. He cleaned up many open dumps and established an annual cleanup for large appliances that used to dot the mountains and streams.  During the 1990 Earth Day, Homer was honored with an award for outstanding commitment to Kentucky's environment by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Along with many volunteers Homer was instrumental in the establishment of the Knott County Ball Creek, Kite, Topmost and Redfox Parks, as well as the upgrading of the Dry Creek Park.  For his efforts, he was awarded a first place Governor's Award of Excellence for the county's system of parks.

Also, with others, he started an aggressive road program that resulted in the paving of 35 miles of the county's roadways. He upgraded other roads by supplying tons of gravel annually and again for his efforts received the 1988 Award for Outstanding Transportation Management from the College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky Transportation Center.

Homer worked aggressively with Senator Benny Ray Bailey to acquire the Knott County Personal Care Home and The Red Fox  Resort. Together, they will employ over 300 people when completed.

In 1987, Homer was given an honorary Kentucky Colonel Aide de Camp by the Kentucky State Police. Homer recognized none of this could have been accomplished without the help of the Knott County people.  He humbly thanks each and everyone.

 Corbett Mullins
April 2003