Joe Gage

Gage , Joe , of Ruston, Louisiana, formerly of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, died on Thursday, March 8, 2007, at Garden Park Nursing Home in Shreveport. He was 84. He was the devoted husband of Phyllis Hall Gage. They had been married for 48 years at the time of her death in 1995. Born on April 7, 1922 in Connersville, Indiana, Joe was the son of Harry A. and Pearl Gage. He grew up in Hamden, Connecticut, attended Purdue University and, after military service, graduated from the University of Illinois. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Joe served during both World War II and the Korean War. He worked for First Federal Savings and Loan in Ft. Lauderdale for more than twenty years, retiring as a vice president in 1977. Joe was a thoughtful, caring, conscientious provider for his family. He and Phyllis were avid bridge players, involving many friends and neighbors in duplicate tournaments for years. He also enjoyed the gardening opportunities of south Florida, marked by a special interest in orchids. After moving to Ruston with Phyllis in 1985, Joe was beloved for his gentle wisdom and inspirational manner by his special circle of friends there. Joe is survived by a son, Dr. Larry Gage, and his wife, Dr. Karen Forbes, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and grandson, Nathaniel Gage; a daughter, Dr. Linda Gage-White, and her husband, Clair F. White, of Shreveport, Louisiana, a grandson, Gary White, and four great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service in Ruston at 11:30 am on April 9, 2007, at Owens Memorial Chapel. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Garden Park Nursing Home for their kindness and care, and requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the American Diabetes Association or the charity of the donor's choice. Messages may be sent to joegfamily@yahoo.com.