David Earl Sage, 79, Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 23, 2022.
He was born on June 26, 1942 in Clarence, Missouri to Eldred and LaVerne Swisher Sage. He was raised in the Missouri towns of Atlanta, Moscow Mills and La Grange before graduating from Marceline High School in 1960. He then worked on the railroad before joining the United States Army at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia.
As best man at his brother’s wedding, he met the maid-of-honor, Herma Nylene Head, and they were married the next year on December 17th, 1961. Together, they raised two daughters while they moved occasionally with his work, though they primarily lived in Chillicothe and the Kansas City, MO area with a short time in Lexington, NC. David worked most of his career at Dean Machinery Caterpillar Tractor Company and became the branch manager for the Chillicothe store in 1979. He retired in 2004. Upon retirement, he moved back to Independence where he and Nylene were active with the First United Methodist Church and the American Legion Honor Guard.
Prior to and after retirement, he loved to travel and spend time with his family, and they experienced many wonderful car vacations throughout the United States. He loved throwing horseshoes and was the World Champion for his division in 1997. He enjoyed quail hunting with his father and brother, power boating, water skiing, and car shopping. An avid sports fan of all the local teams in the area, he was an original Kansas City Chiefs season ticket holder. He was especially great at making breakfast. His pancakes and bacon were always cooked to perfection. His pets were always drawn to him because he would share his bacon and other snacks.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Everett and Faye Barton Sage and Earl and Mary Crabtree Swisher; his in-laws, Herman and Verna Ruth (Wyett) Head, and is survived by his wife, Nylene of Independence; brothers Larry (Marilyn) of Peculiar, MO, and Ron (Karen) of Sturgeon,MO; daughters Kim (Tom) of Lenexa, KS, and Liz (Drue) of Columbia, MO; grandchildren Brooke, Blake and Addie Benson and Meg and Libby Duncan, as well as multiple nieces and nephews. His cat, Angel, who was by his side these last months will miss him dearly, too.
The family will gather at First United Methodist in Independence on February 18th for a 10 AM visitation followed by an 11 AM celebration of life service with a luncheon in the church basement to follow. A private burial in Bucklin, Missouri, will occur at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made in David’s name to First United Methodist Church of Independence, 400 W Maple Ave, Independence, MO 64050.
A note of special thanks to the care providers, Jenna, Brittney, Michelle, and Matt from Traditions Hospice.
