Leo Sayles

Mitchell, SD

1937, 1791, Custer, F-12,

Mr. Sayles died June 9, 2002, in his home. He was 81.

He was born May 28, 1921, in Mitchell, S.D., the son of William and Anna Keigler Sayles. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in lieu of attending high school.

He served in the Army in World War II as a combat medic in the South Pacific from 1942 to 1945. After completing his military service, he earned a GED and enrolled in the University of South Dakota, graduating with a bachelor's degree in bacteriology in 1950.

He and Darlene Dickinson were married in 1947 in Mitchell, S.D.

Mr. Sayles was baptized as a Christian in 1962. He worked as a pharmaceutical representative until 1969, then moved to Oregon. He began his teaching career in 1969 as a math, chemistry and physics instructor at Seaside High School. He received a master's degree from Linfield College in 1975.

Mr. Sayles served as the mayor of Gearhart from 1980 to 1988. He had lived in McMinnville since 1991. He was an avid fisherman, gardener and traveler.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, Scott Sayles of McMinnville, Lee Sayles of Forest Grove and Lyle Sayles of Jefferson City, Mo.; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Ehlers Casteel and Madeline Kiner; and a brother, Lyman Sayles.

Information provided by Andrea Harmes-Sindt

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