John David Sauerwein

John David Sauerwein went to be with the Lord Wednesday, November 2, 2022.  Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022 at Cleveland Funeral Home followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m.

John was born on November 12, 1947 in Salem, Ohio to Twilo and Ruth Sauerwein. 

John proudly served in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968 in the Army 11^th Light Infantry Brigade.  He remained in contact with the living members he served with through the years.

Upon returning home from Vietnam, John worked in the retail industry managing Sterling Stores in El Dorado, AR, New Albany, MS and Natchez, MS.  When Sterling stores closed, John transferred to Cleveland, MS to manage the Magic Mart Store.  He then found a passion for making and repairing jewelry and attended Jewelry Design School in Little Rock, AR.  He and his wife Anita eventually opened their jewelry store and gift shop, Hometown Gifts and Jewelry, in November 1998. He spent many years serving the Cleveland community as the “go-to” for so many things but especially for his gift of repair and knowledge of the jewelry industry. John retired and closed the store in August 2017.

John was a sportsman enjoying hunting and fishing which he did every chance he got.  He also had a great deal of knowledge of antiques and oddities and was called on by many professionals for assistance working on estates utilizing his hard work ethic and expertise. He was a Legionnaire and a Mason.

He spent many days loyally attending the Hanger Safety Meetings where he and many of his dearest friends handled any issue that might arise.  John was never lacking for a joke and a smile and was a stranger to no one. 

John is preceded in death by his parents, Twilo and Ruth Sauerwein; brother, Jay Sauerwein; sister, Donna Sauerwein; and daughter, Cindy Sauerwein.

It meant the world to John to have such a large family, and the times spent with everyone in one place was something he treasured dearly.  He was so very proud of each of his five children and their accomplishments and he shared this to his friends often. 

John is survived by his loving wife, Anita Sauerwein; his brother, Paul Sauerwein; sisters-in-law, Vivian Cobb (Gene), Sheila Haynes (Benny), and Cindy Register (Harold); his sons, Brad Sauerwein (Kim); Ronnie Shive (Leslie) and Wesley Shive (Stephanie) and daughter, Sandy Ray (Jody); and six grandchildren, Caleb Ray, Anna Sauerwein, Emily Sauerwein, Dawson Shive, Paxton Shive, and Olivia Shive.  And many very special nephews and nieces.

Pallbearer is Brad Ouzts. Honorary pallbearers are Allen Nail, Greg Jackson and Kent White.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38501.

Cleveland Funeral Home has been entrusted with service arrangements. The online guest register may be signed at www.clevelandfuneralhome.net.