Funeral services for Upper Cumberland native, Captain John Frank Sadler Sr., Dental Corps, US Navy, Retired, will be held Saturday, August 02, 2025, from the Chapel of Collegeside Church of Christ, Cookeville, Tennessee. The Sadler family will receive friends from 11:00 am until the time of services at 1:00 pm, at Collegeside. Burial, with full military honors will follow, at Rob Draper Memorial Cemetery, Gainesboro, Tennessee.

Dr. Sadler passed peacefully, from his Bremerton, Washington residence, July 22, comforted by his loving wife of forty-three years, Anita Sadler.

Born August 01, 1935, the eldest of eight children, Sadler grew up in the large and loving household of his parents, the late Honorable John Fowler Sadler and the late Mary Anderson Sadler of Livingston Tennessee. Their hillside residence was a welcoming and nurturing home to countless family and friends. The Sadler family worshipped with the Livingston Church of Christ. Sadler attended Livingston Academy where he excelled in academics and athletics…both of which would become life-long passions. Prior to his 1953 graduation from Livingston Academy, Dr. Sadler enlisted in the Tennessee National Guard, thus beginning a lengthy and illustrious military career, devoted to the patriotic service of this great nation.

Pursuant to high school graduation, Dr. Sadler enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in the Navy Hospital Corps. Having completed his enlistment in 1958, Sadler remained a Navy Reservist and enrolled at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, graduating in 1961 with a BS in Education as well with teaching credentials. Upon receiving his degree, Sadler returned to active duty and was accepted into the Navy Flight Program. Prior to starting flight training he returned to reserve status and recommitted to the pursuit of medical studies, graduating in 1965, from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, Memphis with a DDS. Subsequentially, he returned to active duty as Lieutenant in the Navy Dental Corps. In 1972, Dr. Sadler was stationed at Bethesda Navel Medical Center for postgraduate studies (in dental prosthetics) ultimate receiving a MS in Special Studies awarded by George Washington University.

The entirety of Dr. Sadler’s professional life was dedicated to the service of the United States Navy… a career distinguished by recognition, commendation and military accolade. Referenced honors include: Legion of Merit, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V and a Gold Star in lieu of a second award, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Navy Good Conduct

Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, Gallantry Cross, Vietnam Campaign Medal and .45 Caliber Expert Pistol Ribbon.

While serving in Vietnam, Dr. Sadler was instrumental in the building a war zone Dental Clinic in Chu Lai, Vietnam. For which, he received the Navy Commendation medal with “V”. Sadler had the distinction of leadership roles aboard the destroyer tender, USS Piedmont (AD-17) and the aircraft carrier, USS Coral Sea (CV-43). Although a Commissioned Naval Officer, Sadler was truly a US Marine at heart, the majority of his duty stations were with Marines as all their medical personnel is supplied by the Navy. Captain Sadler retired in 1989. His final duty station was Commanding Officer of the Dental Clinic at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California.

While loyalty to his beloved county was exceptional, Dr. Sadler’s loyalty to family and friends was paramount. World-wide travels were enriched by life-long friendships. He was a friend, confidant and mentor to countless.

Those celebrating the life of an exemplary citizen and patriot, include wife, Anita Fore Sadler; daughters, Nancy Sadler Lepley (and husband Dr. Bruce Lepley), Catherine Patterson (and husband Dr. Nikhit D’sa); sons, John Frank Sadler, Jr. (and wife Mary Sadler), Stephen Michael Sadler and Paul Edward Sadler, Kevin Root (and wife Carol), Sean Root (and wife Athena); grandchildren: Cassandra, Serena, Meridian, Anneka, Angelena, Brandon, Atticus and Jordan. Additional survivors include sister, Gale Sadler Little and brothers David Sadler Sr. and Don Sadler. As well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, Dr. Sadler was predeceased by former wife, Janice Wargin Sadler; sisters, Nan Sadler Stewart, Dr. Diane Sadler and brothers, Kenneth Sadler Sr. and Jerry Sadler.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Tunnel to Towers or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are encouraged. Please reference Dr. John Frank Sadler, Sr