Walter C. (Bucky) Sager beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, of Cuero, passed away March 6, 2017. He was born Feb. 17, 1936 in Cuero to Siddy Lane Penner and Walter Sager. Bucky was very proud of being a fifth generation Texan on both sides of his family and was a true “American Cowboy.”
After graduating from high school in Cuero, he attended Baylor University and Texas A&I. He was drafted into the United States Army where he was a paramedic and was honorably discharged in 1960. Returning to Cuero he met his wife to be, Dorothy (Dee) Blackwell. They were married in 1962 and had two children, Stacey (Sager) Semtner and Walter Steven Sager. Bucky went to work for Levi Strauss & Co. and the young family moved to California, Ohio, Wichita Falls and eventually settled back in Cuero where they bought the Texaco Agency. Former co-owner of Cowey Brothers GMC dealership, ranch foreman for the Reiffert Forbes Blackwell Ranches and owner of “Bucky’s Liquor Store” for 15 plus years.
He was an avid, enthusiastic collector of western memorabilia with a particular affinity for spurs of which he had over 100 in his private collection. Bucky was honored as “Cowboy of the Year” by the South Texas Ranching Heritage in 1998. He was a member of the National Bit, Spur and Saddle Collectors Association since 1979, the National Cattleman’s Association, Cuero Turkeyfest Race Team, Cuero Gun Club, past Treasurer of the Cuero Country Club Board of Directors, Director and current Advisory Board member of the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, past Grace Episcopal Church Day School Board, Vestry member, usher and “Men of the Church” pancake supper “flipper extraordinaire”. Bucky was an avid reader of books and world class storyteller. He lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed sharing memories and embellished tall tales with his friends, family and especially grandkids.
Bucky is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Dorothy (Dee) Blackwell Sager; daughter, Stacey and husband Kevin Semtner of San Antonio, son Steve Sager and wife Carole of San Antonio; grandchildren Robert Forbes and Alexandra Victoria Alvarez; half-sister Doris Weischwill of Victoria; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved dog Squeaky, two knees and his right shoulder.
Bucky loved entertaining family and friends as well as neighborhood and family children who would show up regularly wanting to play with him. Junior Pallbearers are Eli and Porter Epstein and Landon Crain.
Feel free to stop by Freund Funeral home until the service begins on Wednesday, March 8 at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, Cuero with the Reverend Charlie Sumners officiating. The Sager family wishes to invite all family and friends immediately following the church service to the Chisholm Trail Historic Museum in Cuero for a brunch celebration reminiscing his life where tall tales will be retold. Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate appropriately by raising a glass of his “extremely rare” and favorite Ushers Scotch. A private family burial will be held at a later time.
Pallbearers will be Finley Blackwell, Jeffrey and Jennings Steen, Robert Dutton Lane, Frank “Tooter” Flack and Ray Gloor. Honorary Pallbearers, (best friend) Bubba Steen, Mike Warzecha, Bobby Lane, Smokey Wilson, Ken Marie, E.J. Deitze, Bill Blackwell, Paul Holcomb, Sr., Christopher Jasso, his coffee group Stayton Weldon, Gene Carson, Wallace Anderson, Bill Braden, Jay Bramlette, Rick Gohmert, Carlos Gottschalt, Lovell Blain and all of the Men of Grace Episcopal Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, Hospice of South Texas or donor’s choice.
You may sign the guest book or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.
Freund Funeral Home, 361-275-2343.