MSG Robert Savage, USA, Ret.

Robert Farrell Savage was born December 5, 1936 in Andalusia, Alabama.  He passed away on March 25, 2013, surrounded by his family, at the age of 76.

Robert served his country in the United States Army for 23 years, including service in Vietnam, Germany and Korea.  He was a tactical communications chief.

Robert married Bessie Elaine Cooke in October, 1959.  They raised four children.

After retiring from the Army, the family settled in Copperas Cove, Texas.  Robert was a member of the Mason/Shriners and served as commander of the American Legion for nine years.  He served his community as city councilman for one term of three years.  Robert operated Savage Auto Parts for more than 33 years.





On March 28, an interment service was held at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  When the family arrived at the committal shelter, they were welcomed by the Patriot Guard Riders and fifty American flags lining the roadway.






After the flag draped coffin was carried from the coach to the shelter, the Riders formed a line of flags along the front of the shelter during the ensuing service.




The minister read from the Bible, Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, verses 1-8, and led the family in final prayers.


The United States Army Honor Guard fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country, followed by the playing of taps.



The flag that covered the coffin was carefully folded into a tight triangle and passed to a Non-Commissioned Officer.  He presented the flag to Robert's dear wife of 53 years, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Robert's honorable and faithful service.




MSG Robert Savage was then laid to rest, as the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, at the top of the hill.




Left to cherish his memory are his wife, two sons, two daughters, seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a host other family and friends.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

A time to be born, and a time to die;  a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.

A time to kill, and a time to heal;  a time to break down, and a time to build up.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;  a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;  a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.

A time to get, and a time to lose;  a time to keep, and a time to cast away.

A time to rend, and a time to sew;  a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.

A time to love, and a time to hate;  a time of war, and a time of peace.

With thanks to The Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information, and to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home and Ceej Foy for additional photographs.