Emil F. Savaiano, age 85, of Haven, passed away, Friday, August 14, 2026, at Haven House. He was born October 17, 1940, in Topeka, Kansas. He was the son of Emil Franklin, Sr. and Miriam (Rice) Savaiano.
Emil graduated from Highland Park High School in Topeka with the Class of 1958. He then attended Washburn University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967. He later received his Master of History degree at Emporia State University.
While Emil was attending college, he was drafted into the United States Army and was assigned to the Kansas Army National Guard, where he obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in March of 1968.
On December 27, 1970, Emil was united in marriage with Cheryl Lynn Sharkey in Hillsdale, Oklahoma. They had two daughters, Cara and Sonya. They shared fifty-five years of marriage.
Emil was a lifelong history teacher, beginning his career in Linn, Kansas from 1966 to 1968. He taught at Haven High School from 1968 until his retirement in 1999. After his retirement, Emil began restoring older homes and refinishing furniture.
Emil was a member of the Haven Church of Christ where he served as Deacon. He also volunteered as an EMT for the Haven community in the late 1980’s. Emil was an avid Kansas State University football fan.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, of their home; two daughters, Cara Savoy of Haven, and Sonya Johnson and her husband B.J. of Nevada, Texas; a brother, Gary Savaiano of Oregon; three grandsons, Aaron Savoy of Manhattan, KS., Austin Savoy of Hutchinson, KS., and Matthew Johnson of Nevada, TX.
Emil was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends may pay their respects to Emil and sign the guest register from 5-7 p.m., Monday, August 17, 2026, at Ott Funeral Home, the family will not be present. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Haven Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Laurel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Haven EMS or Haven Church of Christ and sent to Ott Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Haven, KS. 67543.