In Memoriam: Richard D. Savage
The National Benevolent Association (NBA) of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) shares our heartfelt condolences and prayers with the family of Richard D. Savage, known by friends and loved ones as Dick. Born to Treva Davis Savage and Paul M. Savage on October 14, 1932, Dick died on September 30, 2019.
Dick first became connected with the NBA when he volunteered with a fundraising capital campaign at the historic, Disciples-affiliated Cleveland Christian Home. Then, in June of 1984, he responded to the invitation to serve on staff with the NBA under the leadership of NBA President, Richard Lance, and Vice President of Development, Duane Moon. As a fundraiser and development officer, Dick visited with donors and Disciples congregations across the country stewarding generous planned gifts and thanking people for their generosity to NBA’s mission. He retired in 2010 after serving over 25 years with the NBA. In 2011, he was celebrated for his years of faithful service to the church and to the NBA at the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nashville.
Dick Savage, former NBA development officer.
“When I think about Dick and the NBA, I very much envision a faithful servant who cared deeply about people and about the ways that church offers support and compassion. He embodied our mission of advocating for the well-being of all humanity,” reflects Mark D. Anderson, NBA President and CEO. “Dick is a servant leader who will be remembered and sincerely missed.”
Dick is survived by his wife, Donna John Savage and his children Richard Jr. (Elizabeth), John (Nancy Marie), Mark (Jill), Jennifer, Stephen (Kristina), Anne Savage Venner (Joseph), Sharon Savage Wood (William), as well as his 9 grandchildren.
He was a proud alumnus of both Lakewood High School in Cleveland, Ohio, and Princeton University, having played baseball for each. His bachelor’s degree in engineering prepared him for posts at McGean Chemical and the Chemical Division of B.F. Goodrich before he began his tenure with the NBA. Dick was a devoted and active member of Webster Groves Christian Church, an avid golfer, and an enthusiastic fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. A lover of music, he sang in choral groups most of his life. At his request, his body was donated to The Memory and Aging Project and the Washington University Medical School.
A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held on November 3, 2019, at 3:00pm at Webster Groves Christian Church, 1320 Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, Missouri. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to the National Benevolent Association (gift can be made in honor/memory) or Webster Groves Christian Church.
As the health and social services general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the National Benevolent Association partners with congregations, regions, general ministries, and a variety of Disciples-related health and social service providers to create communities of compassion and care. Founded in 1887 by six women responding to the needs of the day and on their doorsteps, for 130 years the NBA has continued to serve “the least of these.” Learn more at www.nbacares.org.
