Joseph Savage

Joseph "Joe" M. Savage, age 75, of rural Paola, Kansas, died July 28, 2011 at Olathe Medical Center. Joe was born February 11, 1936 at Billings, Montana. He was the son of Henry Matthew and Etta Jean (Veal) Savage. Joe served his country with the United States Navy. He entered the military in 1953 and was honorably discharged from the United States Navy Reserves in April of 1961. He was united in marriage to Carmen Holden in 1958 at Columbus, Montana. They made their home in Billings, Montana. They moved to Corvallis, Oregon and later Kansas City, Kansas before making their home in rural Paola, Kansas 22 years ago. Joe was an accountant for a newspaper company for 23 years, then ventured out and purchased a small business, Olathe Cleaners, which he operated and ran for 7 years. After changing positions from accountant to owner, he and his wife Carmen became over the road drivers for 8 years. After that he decided to retire and take care of their 11 acres. Joe had many hobbies. He loved golfing, water skiing, bowling, playing computer games, and country music, especially Hank Williams Sr. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Billy. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carmen of the home; four children Constance Savage of Chevy Chase, Maryland, Cindy Carpenter of Gardner, Randy Savage of Lawrence, and Christina Franklin of Shawnee, Kansas; his sister Patricia Lennick of Las Vegas, Nevada; his brother Jerry Savage of Massachusetts; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. A celebration of Joe's life will be held on August 7, 2011 in Shawnee, Kansas. Memorial contributions can be made to Miami County Cancer Foundation.