Barry Sager

MORTON – Barry L. Sager, 71, of Morton, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2021, at UnityPoint Methodist Hospital in Peoria.

He was born on February 3, 1949, in Galion, Ohio, to Robert Sager and Jane Claussen . He married Gretchen Lahr on December 20, 1976, in LaPorte, Ind.

Surviving are his wife, Gretchen Sager of Morton; six children, Penni (Bill) Sperry of Normal, Philip (Kelly) Cooper of Goodfield, Tylor (Michelle) Murray of Longview, Texas, Jason (Rosalyn) McChristian of Merrillville, Ind., Melinda (Joe) Bennett of Wheatfield, Ind. and Patricia (Shaun) Parry of Fort Smith, Ark.; 15 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; his mother, Jane Koegel of Punta Gorda, Fla.; one sister, Nancy Hall of Punta Gorda, Fla. and one brother, Tom Jewell of Vandalia, Mich.

He was preceded in death by one infant son, Barry James Sager, his father and one brother, Rick Jewell.

Barry was a U.S. Navy veteran having served in Vietnam. During his years of service, Barry was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with FMF Combat Insignia and one Bronze Star and also the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.

He was employed as a switching technician for 37 years with General Telephone.

Barry was an avid hunter and fisherman and dearly loved his two dogs.

He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Morton. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 1236, Morton VFW Post 5921, Military Bass Anglers Association and the Moose Club.

A private family graveside will be held at Camp Butler in Springfield, with Pastor Jeff Anderson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Morton American Legion.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.