I am blessed to have known Bill for the past ten years ! I learned from this man ! And because of knowing Bill I can honestly say I am a better man ! I will miss you buddy .

William A. Savage Obituary


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”.

Bill was already a huge part of my life in the rooms, and Jan joined that part when my sponsor passed and filled that void. He then became close friends with my former spouse and they were fishing buddies and close friends. His loss is hugely felt by so many he left behind. Bill, your body may be gone, but your zest for life and your spirit will remain with us forever.

I hadn't seen Bill and Jan in many years - not since our two sons and Dustin were in school at Bethel. Dustin also lived with our boys when in college. Our youngest son, Kent, and Dustin decided to take a trip on their cycles to New Mexico to see Dustin's sister and her husband - there was a definite decision that they would never do that again! Dustin also came to quite a few of Kent's cycle races at the Hallett Motor Racing Circuit. We always enjoyed Dustin's company so much.

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.

Bill was someone who just made me feel peaceful. He always had a friendly word or a moment to share with others. Any time I saw him it just made the world a better place.

Jan, I had not seen Bill since the early 90's. My memories of him are of being a gentle person, always with a smile and kind to all. You both have a special place in my heart. Love and Hugs, Karen

Bill was and still is a huge part of my recovery.
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.

Bill was and will always be a very positive influence in my life! He was an Ambassador, full of care for others. He was a big positive influence in my life. I will cherish my memories of him!

I still laugh remembering camping with Bill, and watched him use charcoal lighter fluid for salad dressing. 'The bottle was shaped the same!".

My favorite memory of Bill was at a Friday night dinner. You were in the city that evening. Bill was sitting next to me and neither one of us was interested in the general conversation, so he started telling me his love story - how he met you, how smitten he was, how determined he was to win you over, and how you were and still are the most beautiful woman in the world. After that, I could never look at Bill again without getting the biggest smile. Such an awesome guy, such incredible love. <3

I will always hold a special place in my heart and memories for Bill. He was always a gentleman and good friend to myself and Jim. He was fun, kind,caring, compassionate and giving. He was always willing to help anyone that needed anything. Bill, Jan ,Jim and I spent many hours together watching football and going to movies or just hanging out. Great memories! Bill was someone that was genuine and I could always depend on for a good hug and a good laugh, he really loved his life to the fullest. And I have to say he made the best venison chili. Continued prayers and lots of love to Jan and the family during this time . I will miss him, especially for Super Bowl games.

I am so sad grieving the loss of Bill’s presence in my life. I know there are others who are also grieving. I’m hoping this webpage will be helpful for family and friends as well as honor Bill’s life. Please feel free to contribute your own feelings, thoughts, memories, photos, etc