Benjamin Marion Stage MD

BENJAMIN MARION STAGE, MD.
COX FUNERAL HOME
BASTROP, LOUISIANA
Benjamin Marion Stage, Ben, passed away on December 19, 2024, following a long battle with his heart. He had a massive heart attack while being at his hunting camp with friends. Born on his father's birthday, he was quite the gift. Ben was born January 24, 1947, of his parents Janelle and Frank (Francis Marion) Stage. He was a graduate of Bossier High School, Louisiana Tech, and LSU New Orleans. Ben did his internship at LSU Shreveport, where he was chief resident. He was a gastro-urologist of some renown. Ben retired and left his practice in 2006. He soon realized that he was not happy unless treating people. He worked two and a half days a week in bariatrics, which had long been an interest of his, since his family had a genetic weight problem. He retired again.
Ben loved to fish, hunt and travel. He was quite the outdoorsman and took trips out of the country to hunt or fish. He provided for his wife and children well and was generous to family and friends, often without speaking of what he had done for them. His interest were wide and varied. In addition to being a great outdoorsman, Ben was an accomplished chef. Not your typical "manly-meat-cooker," he perfected many fine delicacies and being invited to his table was always a coveted treat. His zest for life, powered by his enormous intelligence, made him a force to be reckoned with. But, perhaps one of his most defining characteristics was his sharp and disarming wit. At his best, he was one of the most entertaining, gracious, and fun person to spend time with that one could ever encounter.
Ben is survived by his wife, Julie Jones Stage, their child, Samuel; his first wife and mother of his older children, Rosemary Bolen Stage and their children, Adam Christopher Stage and Kelly Stage; his grandchildren Kaitlyn Rose Stage, Kendall Ashlyn Stage and Parker William Stage; and siblings, Beth Stage, Stephen Stage, and Pam Booker. Ben enjoyed his family and he often spoke of them.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation beginning at 1:00 PM Monday, December 23, 2024 at the chapel of Cox Funeral Home of Bastrop followed by services celebrating and honoring Ben's life at 2:00 PM at the funeral home with Reverend Dawnell Stodghill officiating. Committal services and burial will be private for the family at Mer Rouge Cemetery under the direction of Cox Funeral Homes.
Serving as Ben's pallbearers are John Shackelford, Dr. Allen Spires, Will Nolan, Jason Courtney, Scott Hall, and Pablo Martinez Gomez. Honorary pallbearers will be Sherman Shaw, Dr. Ed Worley, Dr. Lester Wayne Johnson, Dr. John Ziegler, and Jamie White.
The family suggest memorial donations may be made to The American Heart Association in Ben's name. Ben was bigger than life. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him and being a patient of his.