Gary Sage

THOMASBORO - Gary Sage, 67, of rural Thomasboro died at 8:36 a.m. Wednesday (Dec. 27, 2023) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Beckman Cemetery, Rantoul. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, in Diers Hall, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

Gary was born Dec. 20, 1956, in Champaign, the son of Merle K. and Sylvia Albers Sage. He married Susan Day Swain. She survives.

Along with his wife, Susan, he is survived by three sons, Ryan (Angie) Sage of Thomasboro, Chad Sage of Vass, N.C., and Tyler Sage of Oswego; his mother, Sylvia Sage of Thomasboro; seven grandchildren, Carmen, Haley, Henry, Sophie, Adrian, Avery and Mason; three brothers, Perry (Marcia) Sage, Danny (Sheri) Sage and Troy (Maria) Sage; one niece, Stacey; four nephews, Spencer, Brad, Trent and Clayton; and several great-nieces and -nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Gary graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1975 and was an honor roll student throughout his school years. He attended Parkland College. Gary farmed for the past 57 years, and his love for farming began when he helped his Opa Sage with cattle.

He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville and had served on the church council. He also served on the Farm Service Committee. He was a member of the Illinois Tractor Pulling Association and the 2019 Points Champion. Gary was very involved with the I&I Antique Tractor Club and the Half Century of Progress Show. Gary enjoyed restoring trucks and pedal tractors. He looked forward to working in his shop and visiting with friends. His family was the love of his life.

Gary received a heart and kidney transplant in 2017. The family would like to pay tribute to his donor for giving him over six wonderful years with his family. They would also like to pay tribute to his brother, Troy, for donating his kidney, which also enabled Gary to live a longer life.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville or the I&I Antique Tractor & Gas Engine Club. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.