Gerald Joseph Savage passed away July 1, 2008 at the age of 83. Born in Platte Center, Nebraska on July 13, 1924, he was raised in Columbus, Nebraska. He graduated from high school in 1942 as president of his class. After graduation, he joined the Navy and defended his country during WWII. He became a naval aviator and was qualified to fly many aircraft. He was carrier qualified and he enjoyed flying from the deck of many carriers.After the war he went to Colorado University where he met and married Sally King. He graduated with a degree in geology and began his career in petroleum exploration for Gulf Oil Company in Fort Worth in 1951. Shortly after, he was transferred to Midland and was the geologist working on the deepest well drilled in Texas at the time, which was south of Marfa on the Mitchell Ranch.The Navy called him back for the Korean Conflict, and he flew transport planes across the Pacific while stationed at Hickam AFB in Honolulu, Hawaii.He returned to Gulf Oil Company in Roswell, NM after serving and as Lieutenant Commander he was the Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserves in Carlsbad, NM. He and Sally lived in Roswell where he volunteered for the United Way and was a Boy Scout leader. He was a member of the Jaycees. He was a longtime member and served as president of the Geological Society. He and Sally raised a family in Roswell, and later Midland, which included twin daughters and four nephews. In 1971, Gulf Oil transferred him to the Midland office. He retired from Chevron in 1978. Upon retirement, he worked with Malcolm Abel and continued to volunteer in Midland. He pursued his love of rocks as a member and president of the Midland Gem and Mineral Society and the Faceter's Guild of Midland. He was a docent at the Petroleum Museum and received the award of Volunteer of the Year from Casa de Amigos. He particularly enjoyed being a Colonel in the Commemorative Air Force. He served as president of the Permian Basin Chapter of the Chevron Retirees Association. He also used his skill in woodworking to create many pieces for friends.Surviving him in Midland is his wife of 60 years, Sally King Savage and his two daughters, Sarana Savage and Cynthia Savage. They will see friends from 6 to 8 Thursday evening at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home. Burial will be at a later date.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
