Joseph "Bud" John Sager Jr.

Bud’s life began on November 11, 1934, in Herington, Kansas. He was the son of Joseph John and Anna May (Vogt) Sager, Sr. Bud was the baby of the family, the last of eleven doting brothers and sisters. He would share stories of his star high school athletic days and his time in the military. You might even hear about his week in bowling. But, most of all, he was always so proud of his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and countless family members. You would be remiss if you missed the many happy stories he would share about every one of them.He was a 1953 graduate of Herington High School, where he lettered in all four sports. He was the quarterback, a guard in basketball, a pole vaulter -with a personal best of 11’6”- and played right field in baseball.In 1955, at 19, he decided to join the Army. He completed training at both Fort Smith in Arkansas and Fort Sill in Oklahoma. He was in the 32nd Observation Battalion, where he learned to direct large artillery. He spent nine months overseas in Germany, Holland, Austria, Prussia, and France, where he saw the Eiffel Tower.After the service, Bud came back to Kansas and moved to Wichita. He answered a want ad from the Glidden Paint Company seeking new service dealers. He was hired on the spot and began working in their warehouse, learning everything he could about paint. In 1978, Bud purchased his own paint store, Gray Seal, which he ran for 16 years before retiring at the young age of 56. Bud pursued numerous hobbies during his lifetime. He had many happy memories of boating and fishing, traveling and playing cards. His all-time favorite vacation spot was Las Vegas, where the blackjack tables, slots, and free buffets called out his name. Besides multiple trips to Las Vegas, he also traveled to Mount Rushmore, California, and had many other memorable trips. When he wasn’t traveling, you would often find Bud at the local bowling alley. He participated in several competitive leagues and tournaments. It was during league play, on October 21, 2001, that he bowled 11 strikes in a row. Bud received a plaque from the USBC for his amazing streak, which he proudly displayed in his front room. Most of all, Bud enjoyed being around his family. He would never miss the chance to participate in the many family celebrations, which would always include good food, fellowship, and a long poker game. And, of course, he always had to be first in line for food at those events. No one ever argued about it either.Bud is survived by his children James (Rosa) Sager of Mulvane, Leanna Linnabary of Oxford, KS, Paul Sager of Udall, and Sue Renda of Rose Hill; 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren; and siblings Donna Schmedeman of Wichita and Helen Fulton of Salina and numerous nieces and nephews. Bud passed away at his home on June 8, 2025. He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Joan Stiles, Beulah Boulighy, Marie Oborny, Lorene Harrison, Geneva Woosley, Mary Ellen “Peg” Dix, Lawrence “PeeWee” Sager and Charles Sager. His family will gather with friends on Tuesday June 17, 2025, from 10-11 a.m. at Yazel Megli Funeral Home, Herington. His graveside service with military honors will be held on Tuesday June 17, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Sunset Hill Cemetery, Herington. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to Wounded Warriors Project. Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Bud atwww.yazelmeglifh.com (http://www.yazelmeglifh.com/)