John Leslie Savage, known to most in Texas as Les, son of Douglas and Anita Savage, passed away on July 30, 2021, after a long-fought battle with many health issues.
Though born in Buffalo, OK, John got to Texas as soon as he could and grew up in the Panhandle area around Lake Meredith. He attended Sanford-Fritch High School and Frank Phillips Junior College in Borger, TX, serving as one of their ambassadors. After his sister joined the Air Force, he joined her in California, in 1987. He lived there for 30 years before moving back to Texas the summer of 2015. He studied graphic design, worked at Montgomery Ward, Jeep, Harley Davidson, and Pacific Forge before becoming a truck driver for Werner Trucking as an over-the-road driver. Upon returning to Amarillo, he worked hauling cattle for a local cattle company where he was injured which left him unable to continue to work.
He loved Texas and loved spending time at his grandparents’ farm in Follett every chance he was given. Horses were his favorite animals, next to his dogs, on the farm he loved so dearly. He loved everything western and, as a good Texan, always wore boots, belts, jeans, hats and was never without his knife. Whenever possible he would ride his motorcycle enjoying the freedom of the road.
He was preceded in death by his fiancé Marjorie Ann Woodward of San Bernardino, CA. He, alongside Marjorie, raised and cared for her children, Terry, Gilbert and Kathy, as well as many other members of her family, as if they were his own. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Orville and Margaret Sperry of Follett; his uncle, Billy Pierce of Lubbock; and his cousin Gairy Brooks of Amarillo.
He is survived by his parents, Doug and Anita Savage of Amarillo; his sister/best friend/shoulder-to-cry-on/confidant (who there is still an ongoing battle with of who’s mom and dad’s favorite), Pamela Savage and brother-in-law, Mark Yandell and their children Codey, Tyler, and Jessica Yandell of Lubbock; great-niece Ryleigh Yandell of Wichita Falls; a very supporting and loving aunt, Marlene Pierce of Lubbock; half-brother, Richard Savage and his wife Tina and son Eric of Wichita Falls; his uncle/cohort-in-crime, Benny Weibel and wife Lue and their son BJ of Sugarland; his cousin, Carrie Brooks of Amarillo and many more cousins.
John was a hardworking man who loved deeply, cared and gave selflessly to others. Each time he would speak to his family, he would always end by making sure he expressed his love for them. He had a kind soul that filled big shoes extremely well and he loved everyone he knew and they loved him. God Bless Him!!
John was a special nephew who had a hard life, but met it head on. He took special care of Margie Woodward until her passing.
We welcomed him back to Texas and hoped life would be easier.
Now we pray that he has been healed by the heavenly Father.
Rest in Peace.
It’s a heavy heart you must be carrying now. Please know you are in my heart and prayers. Some of my fondest memories are of your family. My deepest sympathies and love to you.
John is who I was luckily enough to call my Pa and although our relationship isn’t how I would have liked it to be in the end I can he was a very special man who meant so much to so many!! His heart was big and he was the love of my grandmas life and were all thankful for each role he played in our lives. May he be on the best ride in sky! RIP, love always your navigator!
Where to begin…He was one in a million, BEST brother who had the biggest heart. Les worked hard, cared for family and friends the best he could. We rode horses, went hunting, swimming, biking, fishing, and then I moved him to California. We had so much fun growing up at the farm and Lake Meredith, California was our new adventure our 1st Christmas from home with shorts and flip flops. He was my rock, always lent an ear to my troubles and gave some damn good advise. I will miss him deeply but I’ll always have our memories. Love you big brother you were always their favorite!
First time I met Les he looked like a big huge scary man that would pulverize me if even looked at his sister wrong (she and I we were on our first date)! Little did I know that he was as kind and gentle as he looked intimidating. I would go on to see him as a brother, as much as a brother-in-law, that would give the shirt off of his back to help anyone. He always had a big smile and an awesome sense of humor. He will always be an inspiration and will never be forgotten.