Claude Albert Savage

Claude Albert Savage (Pap), 97, went to be with his Lord, his son Michael, and wife Ann on September 11, 2023 in his home on One Creek Valley. Pap was born the eldest of 8 siblings on January 22, 1926 in Kosoma to William "Tooter" Clarence and Bennie Savage.

Pap was a lifelong resident of the Finley area, graduating from Antlers High School in 1943. In March of 1944 Pap was inducted to the US Navy as a Seaman First Class Special Forces Armed Guard. He served on the Cape Bon and Bartlesville Victory Merchant Marine Ships as a gunner and security officer. While serving in the Pacific Theater, Pap sailed 28,000 miles, survived submarine attacks, torpedo attacks, typhoons, and attacks from air by kamikaze pilots. In February of 2022, Pap was recognized by the Oklahoma House of Representatives for his service.

Pap met the love of his life, Ann Hodnett, at a country dance in Finley. The two were married in 1946 and were blessed with 69 years of marriage. Pap and Granny were always together. They managed a successful contract logging business and ClaudeAnn's fabric and retail business before retiring.

Besides his sweetheart Ann, Pap had three other loves in his life: the Lord, his family, and the outdoors. The Lord blessed him with longevity and a huge family. Pap was instrumental in the founding of the One Creek Valley Church in May of 2000. He participated in the band playing the guitar, and served as deacon, trustee, and Sunday School teacher.

Pap loved to hunt and fish. He always loved to hear a good story. Anyone who was successful in the field, always brought their trophy for Pap to inspect and share the story and fellowship. Pap had a kind soul and welcoming heart. He never met a stranger and always saw the good in everyone he met. He will be missed by many, but will remain in our hearts forever.

Pap is preceded in death by his wife: Ann Savage; son: Michael Savage; parents: W.C. "Tooter" and Bennie Savage; brother: Herbert Savage; and sisters: Johnnie Sue Pace and Kanzada Phipps.

Pap leaves behind a lasting legacy who will cherish his love, wisdom, and memories. Those include daughter: Claudia Rymel and husband Sammy Joe of One Creek Valley; son: Herbert "Buddy" Savage and wife Sharon of Finley; sisters: Linda Thomas and husband Don of One Creek Valley, Sharri McIntosh of Guntersville, AL; brothers: J.L. Savage of One Creek Valley, Drake Savage of Antlers; grandchildren: JoAnn Rymel of One Creek Valley, Mark Rymel of One Creek Valley, Alison Hawkins and husband Ashley of One Creek Valley, Stefani Landreth and husband Scott of One Creek Valley, Steve Savage and wife Toni of Antlers, and Zachary Savage and wife Brittani of Antlers; 13 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers include his grandsons and great-grandsons: Steve Savage, Mark Rymel, Zachary Savage, Gatlin McDonnold, Hunter Hawkins, Justus Landreth.
Honorary pallbearers are: Mike Wood, Terry Dean Miller, Roger Wright, Bruce Akard, Kenny Wayne Autry, Toby Teel, Bob Baldridge, and the Tuckers: Robert, John, and Todd.

Services will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 2PM at the One Creek Valley Church.

Services are under the direction of Serenity Funeral Service of Antlers.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Claude Albert Savage, please visit our floral store.