Papa's Funeral

Papa's funeral was held on Saturday, October 2nd, which was an unseasonably warm and sunny beautiful day. It was such a blessing to have so many family members attend. All but a few grandkids were able to make the trip to be here to honor their grandfather. The services were wonderful, and the speakers, whom papa had hand picked several years ago, did a great job. Lindsey, Jim, and KD (oldest grandkids from those families), were followed by Sandi and Ron. In between these talks were musical numbers that were moving and beautiful. Lauren, Hailey, Danielle and Sierra sang "Come Thou Fount," and Paige and Parker did a violin/piano duet of "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee." The closing number was papa's special request to have Tyler and Amy sing "O, Divine Redeemer," which ended the services with such a beautiful spirit. Papa loved music, especially that which was performed by his grandchildren, so I know he would have been so proud and pleased at those who made his funeral so special.


At the cemetery, one of my favorite things was to have military honors for papa. Two soldiers stood at attention as the hearse arrived, and once everyone was assembled, a third member that stood a ways off in the distance began a beautiful rendition of Taps. It was truly a moving moment.

Following Taps, the military personnel then completed a beautiful presentation of retrieving the flag ...

...and presented it to Ron, who in turn later gave it to Mason, the oldest grandson with the "Savage" name, as papa had requested.

17 grandsons that were able to participate as a pall bearer put their boutonniere on top of the casket, covering the entire length of it as a display of care and respect from all of those who loved our papa.

Our family will be forever changed by his absence, but we will be forever grateful for his presence in our lives.