Richard Savage

5/8/1932 – 12/30/2016

Richard died early December 30, 2016. The day was significant because it was also his 63rd Wedding Anniversary. He was home with his wife Frances when he breathed his last. His family arrived soon after.

In April 2011 he was diagnosed with the early stages of Parkinson’s Disease. In the years 2014 thru 2015 he had two surgeries to remove the bladder cancer among other problems. The day after his 84th birthday on May 9th the Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda admitted him and he did not return home until late May of 2016. He remained in the Charter Hospice bed until his death.

He left behind his loving Wife Frances Smith Savage; one daughter Vicki Stewart in San Bernardino; one son and daughter-in-law Ron and Kathy Savage in Hesperia; and one daughter and son-in-law Debra and Ralph Pate, in Apple Valley, eight grandchildren and 14 plus greats.

Richard was born in Dayton, Ohio and moved to Wichita, Kansas until he joined the Navy in 1952. Richard served for four years active duty and four years inactive duty during the Korean War. In 2001 the couple moved to the High Desert and remained in Hesperia until his death.

On December 7, 1967 Richard published the first edition of the Inland Hi-Liter, an advertising publication. Frances joined him in the business about two years later and the paper was published for another 28 years.

Three brothers of the Savage family came to the states some time in the early 1800’s. His father Gayle Paul Savage, born in 1900, lied about his age and joined the Army in the First World War. His Great Great Grandfather, Rev. James R. Savage served as Chaplain during the Civil War (for the North).

To celebrate Richard’s life a Memorial service will be held January 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Victor Valley Christian Church, 11223 Eleventh Avenue, Hesperia, 92345. Burial will be in two to three weeks at Riverside Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Victor Valley Christian Church, address listed above.

The family wishes to thank Charter Hospice for their loving care during those long seven months. Thanks also to the VA Hospital in Loma Linda for their many years of service for our local Vets including Richard.