Pete Jay Sawatzky was born November 11, 1954 to Pete and Lula Mae Sawatzky in Cushing, OK. After a courageous 2-year battle with cancer, he was welcomed to his Heavenly home on October 3, 2026 at the age of 71 years.
During his early childhood, he lived in various states, following his father’s career. At the age of 6, they settled in Cushing where he attended school and formed lifelong friendships. He worked in high school for Lionel Harris Oil Company. He graduated from Cushing High School with the Class of 1973. He was forever a proud alum.
In the summer of 1975, a pretty green-eyed brunette caught his eye on Main St, and he followed her to the Dairy Queen. Thus began a love affair that endured over 51 years. He married Kathy Raffety on May 27, 1977. They started their married life in Cushing. Although they never had children of their own, they were blessed with many nieces and nephews and a Godson, Dalen. Pete loved to treat kids to candy. He made a yearly trip to Hershey, PA for a swap meet and always brought home the latest chocolate flavors for all his favorite kids.
As a teenager, he discovered his passion for band as a percussionist. He played drums with the CHS jazz band, but his calling was the bass drum in the marching band. This love for the drumline continued when he attended Oklahoma State University and joined the Cowboy Marching Band. He was well known for his powerful beat; he frequently broke drumheads during games. He never stopped supporting his Cowboys and was involved with the Alumni Band the rest of his life. He and Kathy established a scholarship fund for the OSU Drumline. He beamed with pride when his great-nephew, Xander, was selected to play the saxophone for the Cowboy Marching Band.
His obsession with cars started early since his family owned a salvage yard. At the young age of 6 he changed his first tire! He began to focus his attention on “Tri Fives” (1955, 1956 & 1957 Chevys). He and Kathy shared many trips to attend car shows and swap meets – thus leading him to a career focused on these special cars. In 2000 he and Kathy purchased a building on Route 66 in downtown Stroud where they established Route 66 Restoration Supplies. Pete’s expertise in identifying obscure parts for these cars is known nationwide. His extensive collection of Chevy memorabilia has been displayed and enjoyed by many friends and tourists at his shop over the years. Pete was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Billy & Virginia Raffety; uncle, Fred Sawatzky; aunt, Betty Jo Sawatzky; brother, Jimmie Sawatzky; sister-in-law, Jackie Sawatzky Zinkan; brothersin- law, Marshall Raffety, Mike Raffety, Glenn Williams II; niece, Amy Raffety.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife; Godson, Dalen Wolff (Krysten); sister, Sue Williams Burns (Jim); sisters-in-law, Dianna Raffety Foster (Mike), Leannette Raffety; nieces/nephews, Justin Raffety (Tyanna), Dr. James Raffety (Kathy), Jeffery Foster (April), Michelle Wilhelm (Jim), Dustin Williams, Brandi Williams, Brent Foster (Cherri), Tiffany Steele (Bryson), Tami Jackson (Brad), Ariel Zinkan; numerous great nieces & nephews; 1 greatgreat nephew; many dear friends, especially Jim Robinson.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at the Stroud Assembly of God Church with Pastor Jeremy Jackson officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairlawn Cemetery in Cushing. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Pete & Kathy Sawatzky Marching Band Bass Drum Endowed Scholarship with OSU.
Services are under the direction of Matherly – Davis Funeral Home. You may share your condolences with the Sawatzky family at www. matherlyfuneralhomes.com.
