Houston Chronicle -- WEATHERFORD, Texas — A Weatherford soldier killed in a roadside bombing in Iraq grew up dreaming of being a soldier, his father said Tuesday.

Army Sgt. John J. Savage, 26, died Thursday in Mosul along with Staff Sgt. Solomon T. Sam, 31, of Majuro, Marshall Islands.

Savage's father, John Savage, of Peaster, said his son had been due to come home this week to end his second tour of duty. They planned a father-son trip and also to start an automotive business together, John Savage said. His son hoped to transfer to Fort Hood to be closer to his family during the last two years of his military service.

"His family was his number one priority," Savage said in a story for Wednesday's editions of the Weatherford Democrat.

Savage's father said his son joined the military about six years ago, following up on his childhood dream.

"He had camouflage outfits he would dress up in and play Army when he was little," John Savage said.

The two had last talked in November.

"It's hard to even think of what to say," John Savage said. "It's such a tragic loss."

Savage was assigned to the 103rd Engineer Company, 94th Engineer Company, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Sam was assigned to the 523rd Engineer Company, 84th Engineer Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.