Norman Rockwell Sager

In the presence of his dearest loved ones, Norman Rockwell Sager passed into Eternity on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015. He was 85 years old. The youngest son of Clarence “Tuck” Sager and Lena Mae Wright Sager, Norman was born Jan. 22, 1930, at Mount Clifton, Va. The family later made their home with his grandmother, Vallie Wright, in New Market, where he grew up and attended school. While still a teenager, Norman was employed as a tour guide by Endless Caverns. Many of his fondest memories included the ‘fun times’ and the people he met while he worked at the Caverns. During the Korean conflict, Norman served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea, where he was severely wounded, suffering multiple injuries including the loss of his right arm. Always a very modest man, he never spoke of his heroism in battle. However, despite his own extensive personal injuries, Norman was credited with saving the life of his friend and comrade on the battlefield that day. Among the medals he received, Norman was very proud of ‘The Purple Heart.’ In 1952, he was retired from active military service as a demolition expert. Early post-war years, he was often found spending hours with his good friend, Driver Sellers, at Sellers Shell Service Station in New Market. Norman enjoyed the company of his old friends as well as many other folks who stopped by Driver’s station. One new acquaintance became a strong influence and especially ‘dear friend’, Trooper Robert Pope. Although time and distance eventually took a toll on the closeness of their relationship, Norman’s deep respect for ‘Bob’ Pope endured throughout his lifetime. Norman’s favorite past time was sharing Army stories and tales of ‘the good old days’ with friends and family. Besides Driver Sellers, he recollected stories of old friends Jim Phillips, Jim Stroop, and Carroll Moyers. He especially enjoyed the company of Roy and ‘Junior’ Steptoe at Steptoe’s Barber Shop. On thanksgiving night, 1952, Norman’s life took on ‘new meaning’ when he met the ‘love of his life’, Goldyne Buchanan Martin. Ten years later, Dec. 7, 1962, they were married in Hagerstown, Md. Their love was an ‘endless love’ enduring nearly 62 years until Goldyne passed away in June 2014. Together, the couple was devoted parents and Christian role models for their daughters. Besides his wife and parents, Norman was predeceased by two brothers, Richard D. “Dick” Sager and William “Billy” Sager, and his sister, Kay Sager Bamber. He is survived by his daughters, Madlyn Martin-Estep and husband, Carroll, of Mount Jackson, Adrianne Sager Burner and husband, Danny, of Woodstock; three grandsons, Christopher C. Estep (Angie) of Mount Jackson, Joshua D. Burner (Jennifer) and James B. Burner (Crystal Riffey) of Woodstock; and one granddaughter, Karen M. Bush of Mount Jackson. His granddaughter, Brandy Burner Walters, predeceased him in July of 2009. Norman also leaves behind two ‘special’ nieces, Delores Sager Wean (Mike) of New Market and Cherilee Bamber Hold of Chattanooga, Tenn., as well as nine great-grandchildren and numerous other nieces and nephews. ‘Crystal Leeann’, his beloved Pomeranian and constant furry companion, remained loyally by Norman’s side comforting him until the end. She is mourning the loss of her Master. A devout Christian, Norman was a faithful member of the Hawkinstown United Methodist Church for nearly 60 years serving in many capacities including Sunday school superintendent and chairman of several committees. Declining health prevented his active participation in church activities in recent years. Norman’s faith in his Heavenly Father and the promise of Life Eternal never faltered, it deepened with the passage of time. Valley Funeral Chapel at Bowman’s Crossing will host family night from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. tonight. A graveside service and military honors will be held at Mount Jackson Cemetery Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Darlene Wilkins and Associate Pastor Lisa Coffelt officiating. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Christopher C. Estep, Joshua D. Burner, James B. Burner and nephews, Bernie B. Buchanan Jr., Ronald W. Buchanan and Michael Wean. His great-grandchildren will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. Both Norman and Goldyne were sincere advocates of humane animal treatment and rescue, therefore in lieu of flowers; Norman requested that donations be made in his memory to “Furry Friends”, P.O. Box 13, Woodstock, VA 22664.

Norman Rockwell Sager

January 22, 1930 - October 10, 2015