Richard Byron “Pope” Sager

Richard Byron “Pope” Sager, 90, went to be with our Lord and Savior on the afternoon of Thursday, July 8, 2021 after a fall in his home on June 23, 2021. He was born on December 26, 1930, the ninth and youngest child of Milton and Ethel (Clark) Sager in Centerville, Iowa. He graduated from Centerville High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. On April 11, 1955, he married Betty Sager in Leavenworth, Kans.

In 1963 Richard moved his family to Wichita, Kans., to work for Lear Jet. He was an integral member of the team that got the first Lear Jet in the air. Following that, he continued to work for Lear in the 8 Track Stereo Division which took the family to Detroit, Tucson, and finally, Excelsior Springs in 1976. The local Avsco Plastics plant was making the cartridges for 8 track tapes. Avsco later became Gates and then Gilmore. Richard retired as the plant manager in 1998 but continued a consultation basis for several more years. In his retirement he taught himself wood working. He built cabinets, furniture and many other wooden items that his family and friends treasure. After his first grandchild was born, he was given the nickname Pope, which became what he was called by all who knew him. He loved watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren in all their different activities. Pope was a 14-year colon cancer survivor. Along with many family members he participated in the Get Your Rear in Gear Colon Cancer 5k each September.

Pope was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Bill, Frank and Kenneth Sager; and his sisters, Velma Newby, Garnet Lindley, Donna Saner, Patty Childs and Rose Childs. He was also preceded in death by his youngest son, Brian Sager, and his great granddaughter, Dakota Good.

Pope is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty, of the home; his daughters, Gail (Jim) Colvin and Shanon (David) Colvin of Excelsior Springs; and his son, Doug (Dawn) Sager of Commerce City, Colorado. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Meg, Aimie, Shea (Scott), Monica (Kurt), Erin, Byron (Mary Kate), Leslie (Josh), Brent (Charles), Amanda (Richard), and Jake (Caci). He is also survived by 17 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, Excelsior Springs, Mo. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 10 a.m., also at St. Ann’s. Graveside services will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Excelsior Springs. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Colon Cancer Coalition.

Arrangements in care of  Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.