Donald Shirley Savage

Donald "Duck" Shirley Savage (82) of Mount Airy, passed away on September 17, 2022, in the comfort of his home.

He was born on July 30, 1940, in Dickerson, Maryland to the late Charles and Irene Savage.

Farming all his life, Donald moved and settled in 1965, with his family in Carroll County. There, he operated Char-Lene Farm, a working dairy farm that later transitioned into a successful beef and crop operation. 

As his family and friends knew, Donald's greatest passion was his Clydesdales, and he was one of the founders and a lifelong member of the Maryland Draft Horse and Mule Association. He actively showed his horses and received many awards including the most recent being Best in Breed at the 2022 Maryland State Fair.

If he wasn’t at the farm or showing his horses Duck could be found at his favorite restaurant, Denny’s where he was known by staff as “Frank”.

Donald is survived by his children, daughter, Shirley Burdette (Jeff); son, David "Mark" Savage (Angie); daughter, Irene Savage (Wayne); and loved William "Billy" Zavona (Bonita) like a son; seven grandchildren: Ashley Clinton, Jill Carr, Derek Savage, Brandi Burdette, Kristina Savage, Brooke Green, Brittney Zavona; six great-grandchildren: Breanna Clinton, Alisha Clinton, Levi Savage, Bentley Knill, Maci “Peanut” Rill, Audrey Yingling. Predeceased by son, Charles “Ricky” Savage.

Visitation for friends and family will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, September 25 and Monday, September 26 10 to 11 a.m. at Molesworth-Williams Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus, Maryland.  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 26 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Monocacy Cemetery at Beallsville, Maryland. 

In remembrance of Donald’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or The Maryland Draft Horse and Mule Association.

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