Merton Gage

OXFORD -- Merton "Bud" Everett Gage, age 84, finished the journey of life on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at the Legacy House in Ocala, Florida. He was born on September 27, 1926, the son of Clarence P. Gage, and Estella L. (Bennett) Gage, both of Oxford, Massachusetts. He lived and worked most of his life in Oxford, spending the last seven years in Ocala, Florida. Bud earned a living first as a truck driver, employed by both Chaffee Brothers and Worcester Rendering and later as a heavy equipment operator for Ben Thibeault and the Town of Oxford. Bud was a veteran, having served in both the Navy and Army. While in the Navy, he was a member of the Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) #9, a precursor to the Navy Seals. In the Army, he was stationed in Grafenwahr, Germany and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. Bud did not become a father until later in his life, but embraced fatherhood and family life deeply. He was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He leaves a lifetime of memories for his family to cherish. He is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Joyce A. (Sibley) Gage; his son, Eric E. Gage, and his wife Heather, and a grandson Colin Gage, of Oxford, Massachusetts; daughter, Kelly J. (Gage) Kaminski, her husband Jason, and grandchildren, Emmalisa, Caleb, and Lillyanna Kaminski, all of Ocala, Florida. He is also survived by his sisters Eva (Gage) Porter, of Oxford, Massachusetts, and Eleanor (Gage) Munroe, of Largo, Florida. Bud also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Joan Gage and Dorothy (Gage) Boucher and his brother Russell Gage, all of Oxford. The family extends gratitude and thanks to Dr. Challa, and his staff of Ocala, Florida, with special thanks to Jerry for her support and exceptional service. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2011, at North Cemetery, Main Street, Oxford. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the American Legion, 227 Main St., Oxford, Massachusetts 01540.