Stoney was born in Porterville, California on June 12, 1941 to Kenneth Milton and Myrtle Savage. He was descended from the early Savage and Barton families of Three Rivers, California. Stoney was raised and educated in Three Rivers and graduated from Woodlake High School in 1959. He continued his education at College of the Sequoias in Visalia and received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Fresno State University in 1963. He met Susan Evelyn Mackay in Mineral King, California, and they married in Visalia on June 20, 1964. They lived for a year in Santa Monica, California, where he worked in the aerospace industry. Stoney and Sue then moved to Visalia to make their home and raise their children, Stoney Jr. and Evonne. Stoney worked at the County of Tulare Department of Social Services for 22 years and served as Assistant Director before retiring. Following his retirement he attended Reedley Community College where he received his degree in Aircraft Maintenance, after which he worked at Mefford Field in Tulare for several years. Stoney was a member of the Sierra Traditional Jazz Club where he served as Vice President, as well as, the editor of the monthly newsletter. He was also a member of the Sequoia Lions Club, West Visalia Kiwanis Club, Mineral King Preservation Society, and was on the Board of Directors of the Mineral King District Association.
Stoney enjoyed traveling, going on cruises with the Jazz Club, going to the family cabin in Mineral King, and his cats. He was extremely interested in World War II history and had great respect for the men and women who have served. His greatest enjoyment in life was his family and working with and teaching his grandson, Stoney J. Stoney especially enjoyed going to school activities to watch his grandchildren Stoney J. and Sienna perform in school activities. He was always willing to give advice and assistance whenever needed.
He is survived by his wife, Sue Savage of Visalia; his children, Stoney Savage, Jr. and wife, Shirley of Visalia and Evonne Goodwin and husband, Ron of Visalia; grandson, Stoney J. Savage of Visalia; granddaughter, Sienna Savage of Visalia; step grandchildren Christine Martinez of Chula Vista, Eric Crisanto of Visalia, and Lynita Crisanto of Visalia; seven great grandchildren; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Carol Savage of Three Rivers, Helen Savage of Visalia, Dave and Judy Halstead of San Jose, California and Mel and Marian Bennett of Manderson, Wyoming; many nieces and nephews; numerous great-nieces and -nephews; and extended family.
Stoney was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Kenneth Milton Savage Jr. and William Merritt Savage.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2015 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 3, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel of Visalia with a reception to follow. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Three Rivers Public Cemetery. Please feel free to wear cool and casual attire as this is what Stoney always liked.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Visalia Rescue Mission, the Wounded Warriors Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org/wwp), or to the donor’s favorite charity.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.
Arrangement entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.
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