George G. Savage II, 86, of Springfield, died on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at his home.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Oct. 19, at Butler Funeral Home in Springfield, officiated by Fr. Michael Friedel. Burial followed at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors. The family will be hosting a celebration of life at a later date.
Mr. Savage was born on March 17, 1940, in Mt. Vernon, the son of Harry G. and Ruth (Brannon) Savage. He married Burma Donley on Dec. 14, 1968, in Springfield.
He attended Hillsboro High School before proudly serving in the U.S. Army. During his service, he was stationed in Germany for three years, where he served as an expert marksman. Following his military service, he began a career as an operating engineer with Union Local 965. He retired after 35 years, having worked for several companies, including Petersburg Plumbing. Retirement didn’t slow him down, however, as he went on to drive semis across the country for Donley’s Trucking and Truck Centers.
Mr. Savage lived life to the fullest and was a man of many talents. He drove limousines, rode motorcycles and ran the Chicago Marathon twice. He enjoyed woodworking, repairing antique clocks and even volunteered his sewing skills to make dog beds for the Animal Protective League. A gifted mechanic and a modern-day “MacGyver,” he had a knack for fixing just about anything. He was also a captivating storyteller with a wicked sense of humor who never met a stranger and could make a friend wherever he went. He was also a faithful member of Blessed Sacrament for nearly 20 years.
Mr. Savage is survived by his wife, Burma; daughter, Angela (Darren) Ice of Rochester; granddaughter, Molly (Michael) Wood of Sherman; sister, Margaret Skoda of Springfield; brothers, Bill Savage of Champaign and Ben (Mary) Savage of Raymond; sister-in-law, Judy Savage; great-granddaughter, Reese Wood; special friends that felt more like family, Wynn Heyen and David Hardy; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and dog, Lola.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ruth Savage; his daughter, Allison J. Savage; brother, Terry Savage; and beloved dogs, Eric, Max, Rocco and Chica.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Animal Protective League.
To offer condolences, please visit www.butlerspringfield.com.
