Joseph A. “Joe” Savage 98 of Normal, formerly of Streator passed away at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington on Friday morning (October 18, 2024).

 Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator. Burial will be in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Streator, with military rites. Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator is in charge of arrangements.

 Mr. Savage was born October 1, 1926 in Streator the son of Carl and Catherine (Minneci) Savage. He married Betty J. Creamean at St. Stephens Church on June 22, 1949. He and Betty recently celebrated their 75 Anniversary.

 He is survived by his wife, Betty of Normal, Illinois; son Randall (Shelly) Savage of Marseilles; daughter Kathryn (Dick) Marx of Bloomington; grandchildren Christopher Marx of Normal, and Curtis (Tainah Espindola) Marx of Uberlandia, Brazil; great grandchildren Victoria, Taylor and Tyler Marx, and Rafael and Noah Espindola Marx.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother John; one sister Rose Trainor and son Joseph L. Savage.

 Born and raised in Streator, he attended Greely Grade School and graduated from Streator High School in 1944. He entered the Army Air Corps during WWII and was trained as a fighter pilot. He later studied at the University of Illinois, Champaign.

 He retired from the Hedglin & Savage Insurance Agency. He and his wife Betty had many years of retirement with winters in Florida, fishing, boating and golfing. He particularly enjoyed gardening, making wooden toys and repairing golf clubs at his Streator residence. Joe was a kind and caring individual who enjoyed helping others. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

    Condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com