Sagers Sr., Paul - July 3, 2010

 

Paul Smith Sagers, Sr., age 88, died at his home on Friday, July 3, 2010. Born November 13, 1921 in Devil's Slide, Utah, to John Smith and Jessie Hall Sagers. He graduated from West High School, where he finished first in State in Debate, 2nd in State in Tennis, and excelled in basketball and student government as Student Body Treasurer and Debate Club President. Paul earned his B.S. is Sociology (1948) and Master's of Social Work (1949) at the University of Utah. He acquired his Doctorate in Education (1973) at Brigham Young University. Paul enlisted in World War II in 1942 where he served in Patton's Third Armored Division, where he set-up radio communications until the war ended in 1946. On December 30, 1947, he married his wife of 62 years, Jean Slater Sagers in St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Paul loved Jean dearly. Paul devoted his working life to the service of persons in need. Paul began his career as a social worker and then shortly became the Assistant Superintendent of the Utah State Industrial School in Ogden, Utah from 1951 - 1956. Between the years of 1951 through 1967, he was Washington State's Director of Services for the Mentally Retarded. In 1967, Paul moved back to Utah becoming the Superintendent of the Utah State Training School (USTS), his most fulfilling position due to his love of the school's residents and incredible employees. During his time at the USTS, Paul was a Professor of Sociology at Brigham Young University. After more than 12 years of service at the Training School, Paul became the State of Utah's Director for the Developmentally Disabled / Mentally Retarded (DDMR) and Utah's Director of Family Services until 1986 when becoming the Executive Director of the Epilepsy Association of Utah until retiring in 1995. Paul's notable contributions to persons with disabilities not only improved their quality of life, but his national prominence as past president of the American Association on Mental Disabilities, among other national leadership positions, he has influenced the passage of Congressional Legislation advocating for people with disabilities. Paul was an avid Bridge player, dedicated husband and devoted father. This wonderful man is going to be truly missed. Survivors include wife of 62 years, Jean S. Sagers, children Paula J. Evershed (Roger), Brooke Y. Sagers, Paul S. Sagers, Jr. (Laura), and Howard A. Sagers (Joanna), 12 Grandchildren, and 18 Great Grandchildren. Paul was preceded in death by son, John Donald Sagers who tragically lost his life in 1971 at the young age of 18. Paul is the youngest sibling of Kenneth Sagers, Maxine Sagers Norris, and William Sagers who all preceded him in death. Services will be held at 11:00, Saturday, July 10, 2010 at the Garner Funeral Home and Mausoleum, 1001 11th Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah. Graveside Services will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Relatives and friends may pay their last respects to Paul on Saturday, July 10 beginning an hour prior to his funeral between10:00 until 10:45. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.garnerfuneral.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to West High School's Alumni Association, 241 North 300 West Salt Lake City, Utah 84103 Special thanks to the staff at Summit Hospice Care, particularly Debbie, Linda, Karen, Laura, David, Levy and Dr. Gottlieb for their dedicated help and support in making Paul's final moments as peaceful as possible.

 

Condolences

 

July 8, 2010

We would like to express our condolences to Jean and family at the passing of Paul. We enjoyed our association in years past and getting to know your family. May the memories of your 62 years together help to comfort you at this time.

— Gordon and Darlene Lee , Provo , Utah

 

July 8, 2010

Jean

I don't know if you will remember me or not, but I worked with Paul as the CPA for Epilepsy Association of Utah until he retired. I have often wondered how you two are doing these past fifteen years. I often think of the conversations Paul and I had together and think what a wonderful man he was and the wisdom he shared with me. I am sorry to read of his passing and express my thanks to you and your children for the opportunity I had to work with him and know him as more than just a client. I know he will be missed but as I have learned over the years with the passing of parents, he will never be forgotten. Always remember the fun times and the wonderful husband, father and grandfather that he was.

Sincerely

Lane Peterson, CPA

— Lane Peterson , Salt Lake City , Utah

 

July 10, 2010

Aunt Jean,

I know we have not spent much time together but I think of you and Uncle Paul often. I still have a letter from Uncle Paul that he sent me(on yellow legal pad paper) when my mother passed away. It meant so much to me to have him remember her and the kind words he wrote. He was a very generout and kind man and will be missed. When I mention Uncle Paul and you my children remember the family reunion at the state training school in Utah. My prayers go out to you and your family.

— Clarissa (Putsie) Vargas , Lake Forest , California