Donald Savage

Donald William Savage, Sr., 83 of Robinson, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 19, 2016 in Waco, Texas, following a courageous battle with cancer. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 24, 2016 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 2000 Clay, Waco, Texas with Pastor James Price officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 3:00 - 5:00 pm on Sunday October 23, 2016 at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 N. Robinson Dr., Waco, Texas.
“Don” was born February 27, 1933 in Waltham, Massachusetts to Stewart Eric and Mildred Barton Savage. He was baptized at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in March of 1933. He graduated from Watertown High School and The New England Institute of Anatomy and Embalming after which he worked for Waterman Funeral Services in Watertown, MA. Don served in the U.S. Air Force which stationed him at James Connally AFB in Waco. After visiting a local church, he was invited to a members’ home for lunch where he met the love of his life, Betty Joyce Matthys. They were married on June 27, 1953, at St. Mark Lutheran Church.
Don worked for SW Bell Telephone and later AT&T retiring in 1986 after 30 years of service. In 1987, he joined Rio Brazos Co-Op where he worked until 2005, driving a bus route along with Betty servicing special needs children. He also was a member of Waco Telco CU (First Central) serving as Chairman for 17 years. Don also served on various boards & committees at St. Mark Lutheran Church where he was an active member for over 63 years.
Don had a unique, quick-witted personality with a genuine smile. He enjoyed league bowling for many years, Sunday afternoon adventures with his daughter & son-in-law, hunting/fishing with his boys, and quality time with his grandchildren.
Don played the piano & accordion, and was a true craftsman who could fix just about anything. He could talk like Donald Duck & shared this “gift” with his two sons. He was a very funny and compassionate man, but most of all dependable.
Don was a dedicated Christian who took pride in family & country, and always gave it to you straight. He was loved very much and will surely be missed by all who knew him.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, a son - Timothy Edward Savage, brother & sister-in-law Stewart E. Savage, Jr. & Barbara Savage, nephew-Stewart E. Savage, III; and brothers-in-law Clarence Glaser & Truman Matthys.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty; son Donnie Savage & wife Vickie; daughter Susan Lentz & husband Kevin; son Phillip Savage & wife Penny; grandchildren Lauren Savage, Michael Savage, Shane Davis & wife Kelly, Ashley Brooks, Tori Lentz, Michelle Montesdeoca & husband Fernando; seven great-grandchildren - Cayden, Cayson, Benjamin, Elise, Simone, Nevaeh & A. J.; sisters-in-law - Gladys Glaser, Mary Jo Matthys, Virginia Price & husband Don, brother-in-law Charles Matthys, & numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be: Donnie Savage, Phillip Savage, Kevin Lentz, Michael Savage, Shane Davis & Lawrence Matthys. Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Schmedthorst, Harold Gaskamp, Charles Matthys & Don Price.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the medical staff of Baylor Scott & White - Hillcrest.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church, 2000 Clay Ave, Waco, TX, 76705, or Hillcrest Hospice, 3000 Herring, Waco, TX, 76708.

Memories and messages to the family may be shared at www.pecangrovefuneral.com.