Eldon Paul Savage

Eldon Paul Savage, beloved Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and friend, passed from this life to his heavenly reward on October 7, 2022. He was 96 years of age. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Ella May (Nail) Savage. They are now re-united in heaven.

Eldon Savage was born in New Market, Iowa on Easter Sunday April 4th, 1926. As a child he attended Frog Valley country school. His constant companion was his dog Fritz. Eldon graduated from New Market High School in 1943, went to Central University of Iowa on a basketball scholarship, and enlisted in the US Navy on February 1944. He served in the US Navy Submarine Service on the USS Devilfish during World War II and was honorably discharged in February 1946.

He attended the University of Kansas for his undergraduate entomology degree on the GI bill. While there he met Ella May and they were married on June 5th, 1948. Eldon always said "they were meant to be together".

Upon graduation Eldon began his career in the US Public Health Service Uniformed Officers Corps which at the time was part of the US Navy. There he rose to the rank of a Navy Captain. In that capacity, he traveled the world , often in response to some natural disaster or epidemic to assist with and manage the community's response to public health related issues. While in the US Public Health Service he continued his education obtaining a Masters Degree from Tulane in 1957, and a doctorate, PHD from the University of Oklahoma in 1967.

Upon his retirement from federal service, Eldon taught as a Professor of Environmental Health at Colorado State University. While there he was a great influence on many students and received many thanks and notes of gratitude from them as they graduated and pursued their professional careers. Many still consider him a friend and mentor. He was the author of professional text books, studies and many scientific articles within his field. He also continued his community service by serving on the South Fort Collins Sewer Board.

While at CSU and upon his retirement Eldon was able to commit to his true passion – Arabian horses, a love he shared with Ella May. Together they owned and operated E and E Savage Arabians. They raised and showed Arabians throughout Colorado and the nation. Their horses won national recognition and many regional and local championships. At one time the operation consisted of 26 Arabian horses. Eldon was involved with the Northern and Coloradan Arabian Horse Clubs and served on their Board. Eldon and Ella May made many friends who shared their love for Arabian Horses.

Eldon was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of almost 70 years - Ella May; brothers Enos (infant) and Edward; sisters Erma, Elma and Elaine.

Eldon is survived by a loving family to include two sons. Steven and his wife Ballou (Waldron) and, son Michael and his wife Georgia (McLeran). Grandchildren Eric Savage and wife Maja of Sweden; Cody (Savage) Stone and husband Jeff of LaSalle; Mark Savage and wife Sara of Oregon; Joseph Savage and wife Juana of Evans; Ryan (Savage) Shade and husband Colonel Brandon Shade of Colorado Springs ; and, Scott Savage and wife Cindy of The Netherlands. Great-Grandchildren Unni and Ingrid Savage; Isaak, Ava and Landry Stone; Cecelia and Fern Savage; Gabriel, Christopher, Nathanial, Alex and David Savage; Cayden, Camryn and Brant Shade; and, Luka and Eliz Savage.

Memorial Service, 1 pm, Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will follow at Grandview Cemetery.