Jesse "Johnny" Sager

Jesse John “Johnny” Sager passed away unexpectedly at the age of 66 on August 13, 2026, at KU Medical Center.

Born February 3, 1960, in Denver, CO to Ross and Gloria (Blevins) Sager, Jesse grew up in Green, Kansas, where he attended Green Grade School through 8th grade before going on to Clay Center Community High School.

Jesse settled in Concordia, Kansas and spent many decades in a long career working at the manufacturing plant there, under various ownerships. He began his career as a welder and later advanced to lead man. After his career at the manufacturing plant, he stayed active by working part-time at Clay County Lumber & Supply.

Jesse was a hard worker, but he also found great joy in his hobbies and, most importantly, his family. He loved his family deeply and never missed a birthday or holiday when he could be there. In his retirement years, he especially enjoyed sitting in the bleachers with his sister and nieces and nephews, watching his great-nieces and great-nephews participate in their many sports and activities—attending in person whenever possible or watching online when he could not be there.

Jesse loved family vacations and especially enjoyed cruises. He enjoyed visiting new places, learning about their history and surroundings, and sharing interesting facts he had researched ahead of time with those around him. He made a point to turn every trip into lasting memories, both big and small.

He also had a passion for gardening, taking great interest in trying new vegetable plants and finding better ways to grow them each year. He enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. Jesse learned to play guitar when he was younger and had recently picked it back up, enjoying the process of refining his skills and making music again. He was also a lifelong motorcycle rider who enjoyed riding whenever he was able and was looking forward to have another Sturgis experience.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria (Blevins) Sager; his father, Ross H. Sager; and his brother, Cecil W. Brown.

He is survived by his sister, Dawn (Vernon) McGee of Clay Center; his brother, Ross “Henry” Sager II of Clay Center; and his sisters, Deedra (Jeffrey) Bryant of Missouri and Crystal Sager of Missouri.

He is also survived by his nephews Frank McGee; Vernon (Tabitha) McGee; Dustin (Stacey) McGee; and others; his nieces Nicole (Jason) Liby and others; and many great-nieces and great-nephews, including Angel and Jerric McGee; Miley and Molly McGee; Alana, Jayli, Layla, Sydni, Tessa, Walker, and Zaeli Liby; and others.

Jesse will be remembered for his hardworking nature, his deep love for his family, his willingness to show up for those he cared about, and the joy he found in simply being together. His family will forever cherish the countless memories, laughs, sporting events, vacations, and gatherings they shared with him.

Visitation will be held at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center, KS on Thursday, August 20, 2026, 5pm-7pm.

Funeral services will be held at the Clay Center United Methodist Church on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jesse’s name to American Red Cross and may be sent in care of Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home, 918 Seventh St, Clay Center, KS 67432.