Obituary for David Lynn Sage

David Lynn Sage, 69, who has performed percussion in bands throughout the United States, Europe and the South Pacific, died May 28, 2022, at his Murphy home, surrounded by his family.

A Los Angeles native, David began learning percussion as a young child. He received 12 years of private lessons, including from percussion greats Louis Bellson and Dennis La Prong. As a young man, he performed with the Whittier (CA) Elks Cavaliers Youth Band drum corps, competing throughout the Western United States and Canada. While in college, he was selected from among the hundreds of drummers who auditioned for the All Southern California Honor Band, and performed in the Rose Parade.

In 1972, David’s college experience was cut short by the Vietnam War. Upon receiving his draft notice, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Based on David’s experience, his recruiter recommended he audition for the U.S. Army Band program. He succeeded, and later was elevated to the service’s special bands program.

David served as an Army bandsman for 24 years, retiring as a first sergeant. During his service, he toured the South Pacific while stationed at Schoefield Barracks, HI. While he was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, he toured throughout Europe. David performed for presidents, ambassadors and diplomats, on television and radio and in recording studios, and at ceremonies, from the opening of the Indianapolis 500 to presidential inaugurations.

Between his military and civilian experiences, David performed a variety of musical styles with many different groups. He has performed in concert and marching bands, Dixieland and big bands, polka and country, and rock, jazz, Latin and percussion ensembles. In addition, he taught drum lessons throughout his life for students ranging from young children to adults.

After military retirement, David taught JROTC for four years before accepting a position in the Georgia National Guard’s U.S. Property and Fiscal Office, where he helped to coordinate the transportation logistics for Georgia National Guard soldiers who were deploying and their equipment. He retired for a second time in 2017.

David is preceded in death by his parents, George Edward Sage and Clorene Blanche (Leavitt) Sage. He is survived by his wife, Debra (Schwartz) Sage of Murphy; daughters Stephanie McGee (Jason) of New Palestine, IN, and Andrea Redd (Matt) of Newburgh, IN, and son Sorin Sage (Kelly) of Cheyenne, WY; and five grandchildren: Savanna, Isaac and Alivia McGee and Hunter Cole and Jaxx Redd.

David is a 1988 graduate of Vincennes University.

No services are planned at this time.

You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.