This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, William (Bill) Savage . We will remember him forever.
You will find many photos in the gallery of Bill and of his memorial. Check out the gallery
Tributes
Leave a tributeWilliam (Bill) A. Savage, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, went to his Heavenly place on April 5, 2019, at the age of 74. He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on December 4, 1944, to Alton and Gertrude (Milling) Savage. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Janette L. Savage; daughter, Melissa Brown and husband, Steve; son, Dustin Savage and wife, Shannon; grandchildren: Baylee and Hannah Brown; Maegan and Dillon Savage; and Sam, Jake and Brooklyn Castillo; and, sister, Karen Parks and husband, Jim. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces and a nephew, as well as a brother-in-law and three sisters-in-law. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Joe G. Savage.
Bill graduated from Harding High School in Oklahoma City and attended College at OU, OSU and OCU and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree. He then served as a Personnel Specialist in the Army from 1969-1971. Following his stint in the Army, he worked at the Oklahoma City Zoo for more than 30 years, retiring as the Mammal Curator. While working at the OKC Zoo, he was involved with wildlife conservation of endangered species and the design and completion of the Oklahoma Trails exhibit. Following his retirement from the Zoo, he enjoyed making wildlife habitat improvements by planting food plots and fruit trees and hinge cutting in forest areas to improve the habitat for many native species.
He was a loving husband, father, brother and, most of all, a loving and devoted “G-Daddy”. In his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, raising fruit trees and date nights of dinner and a movie. But, most importantly, he cherished the moments he spent traveling across the U.S. with the love of his life, Jan. A huge OSU, OU and OKC Thunder Fan, he enjoyed his final days watching as many Thunder games as possible, and even attended one with his cousin, David, and his wife, Tawna, a couple of weeks before his death.
Bill lived by the principles passed along to him in AA and loved helping others in their recovery. He had a strong faith in God, lived life to the fullest, and gave credit to his Creator for what was given to him – peace of mind, serenity and, as he often said, “a great life”.
Bill recently requested me as a friend on Facebook and it was really special. I enjoyed all his posts of family, their photos and his nature pictures which are awesome. My deepest sympathy to all Bill's family and continued hugs and prayers to each of you.
He was at my first meeting and I don't remember a thing that was said at that meeting.
But after the meeting, he came to me and shook my hand and told me "you don't have to live that old, miserable life any more. Keep coming back. Do what we do. You can do this."
Bill gave me hope, which I had very little of at that time.
We became friends, we talked about recovery and animals and sports.
We watched Super Bowls and NCAA Football National Championship games together at Jim and Cindy's houses.
Those games will NEVER be the same.
I'm envious of you, Bill, because now you have 50 yard line seats at those football games and you have center court seats at all of the Thunder games.
Best of all, you have the perfect deer blind in Heaven.
Thank you for everything, Bill, but most of all, thank you for being you and for giving me hope when I needed it most.
I love you my friend.
Leave a Tribute
William (Bill) A. Savage, of Shawnee, Oklahoma, went to his Heavenly place on April 5, 2019, at the age of 74. He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on December 4, 1944, to Alton and Gertrude (Milling) Savage. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Janette L. Savage; daughter, Melissa Brown and husband, Steve; son, Dustin Savage and wife, Shannon; grandchildren: Baylee and Hannah Brown; Maegan and Dillon Savage; and Sam, Jake and Brooklyn Castillo; and, sister, Karen Parks and husband, Jim. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces and a nephew, as well as a brother-in-law and three sisters-in-law. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Joe G. Savage.
Bill graduated from Harding High School in Oklahoma City and attended College at OU, OSU and OCU and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree. He then served as a Personnel Specialist in the Army from 1969-1971. Following his stint in the Army, he worked at the Oklahoma City Zoo for more than 30 years, retiring as the Mammal Curator. While working at the OKC Zoo, he was involved with wildlife conservation of endangered species and the design and completion of the Oklahoma Trails exhibit. Following his retirement from the Zoo, he enjoyed making wildlife habitat improvements by planting food plots and fruit trees and hinge cutting in forest areas to improve the habitat for many native species.
He was a loving husband, father, brother and, most of all, a loving and devoted “G-Daddy”. In his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, raising fruit trees and date nights of dinner and a movie. But, most importantly, he cherished the moments he spent traveling across the U.S. with the love of his life, Jan. A huge OSU, OU and OKC Thunder Fan, he enjoyed his final days watching as many Thunder games as possible, and even attended one with his cousin, David, and his wife, Tawna, a couple of weeks before his death.
Bill lived by the principles passed along to him in AA and loved helping others in their recovery. He had a strong faith in God, lived life to the fullest, and gave credit to his Creator for what was given to him – peace of mind, serenity and, as he often said, “a great life”.
Please be patient.
All these roses in 7 days!!!
Roses from Bill - 4 wks after death
Bill loved flowers - especially roses. He always wished he could grow them like his mother did - large healthy blooming rose bushes. He tried many times - planting them near the carport hoping they would climb the trellis. He had a few beautiful roses about 20 years ago but no luck since then. Exactly 4 weeks after Bill’s death (onMay 3rd ) about 3 red roses showed up! This photo shows his roses today. Red roses are supposed to symbolize love. I think his Mom (deceased for many years) helped him send good energy to cause these roses to bloom now. A loving gift from him.
one story that comes to mind is this:
We had been staying at Jan and Bill's and I needed a part for my truck before heading home. Bill took me into Norman to the parts store. When we left the store he said we should stop for coffee and a donut. I was anxious to get back and get my truck fixed but Bill said" Sometimes you just have to take time for coffee and a donut". So we went to this little cafe and talked for an hour while drinking coffee and eating a donut. In that hour I learned how much Bill loved Oklahoma, Jan, his family and friends. How important it was not to take things for granted.
To this day, I often remind myself to take time for coffee and a donut. I think of Bill and smile. I'm sad he is gone to soon. I know he lives on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. He certainly lives on in mine and I will never forget him.