Joseph Gage, Sr.

JOSEPH ANDREW GAGE, SR.

DECEMBER 16, 1935 – AUGUST 22, 2020

Joseph Andrew Gage, Sr., an honest, humble, hardworking, devoted and faithful man of God has been called to enter the rewards of the Kingdom of heaven on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at the age of 84.

He was born on December 16, 1935 at Fort McIntosh in Laredo, Texas to Harold Gage and Gregoria Mendiola-Gage. Joseph was a product of St. Joseph’s Academy and the Laredo School System, having graduated from Martin High School in 1956.  He immediately joined the United States Air Force on July 2, 1956, where he served for four years until his release from Active Duty on July 1, 1960 at Harlingen Air Force Base.

Joseph began his business career as manager at Perry Brothers. He owned and operated JOE GAGE TEXACO “Good Honest Service” for ten years before having obtained his Teaching Certificate in 1984.  This is the year that he started his life-long career of being a passionate and positive educator in the Laredo Independent School District.  He was well known at the Cigarroa campus for his class.  He never made distinction between his students as to him, they were all equal and deserving of an opportunity to succeed, an idea and train of thought that he readily transmitted to his students.

He loved life, being surrounded by his family, and having coffee with his friends whom he dearly treasured. He was always smiling and full of happiness, not only from his faith, but from his beloved Raquel, whom entered into her eternal rest eight years ago.  He always remembered her by taking her flowers and praying at her gravesite. Joseph was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was best known for being selfless and repeatedly demonstrating acts of kindness. He enjoyed giving people Virgencitas, angels, crosses, and spur key chains.  He had a love for collecting antiques and the sport of basketball.

After his retirement from teaching, he continued to stay busy as he ventured into business at Laredo Ranch Heights with his son, Joe Gage Jr., Fernando Ortega, and Mike Maciel. He truly enjoyed spending time at the store and interacting with all the customers.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew him! May he rest in peace!

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife: Raquel M. Gage; father: Harold Gage; mother: Gregoria Mendiola-Gage; brother: Raul Nicholson.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Elaine Evelyn (Ruben) Gage-Gonzalez and Yvette Marian (Jorge) Gage-Canales; and son, Joseph Andrew (Carmen) Gage Jr.; and grandchildren, Selika Klaryssa De los Santos, Ruben Andrew Gonzalez Jr., Christopher Joseph Canales, Silke Alexandra Gage and Joseph Andrew Gage III.

The Gage family would like to thank Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa, Dr. Benson Huang, Tammy Treviño FNP, and the nursing staff at Laredo Medical Center and Laredo Specialty Hospital for having so thoughtfully, respectfully, and diligently given of their talents to care for their father during the last couple of months.  They would also like to thank Manuel Osorio, funeral director, and staff at Joe Jackson Funeral Chapels for their careful, considerate, caring, and thoughtful guidance provided during this difficult time.

We extend our appreciation to all who will be attending his services.  An electronic live stream will also be available for the Vigil and Mass.  Please use the link below to access the stream or go to the funeral home obituary link to find the direct link.

The family will be receiving condolences on Friday evening, August 28, 2020 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m. You may stream it live beginning at 6:30 p.m. at www.facebook.com/JJFC.INC

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday morning, August 29, 2020 departing at 8 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 8:30 a.m.  You may stream it live at www.facebook.com/BlessedSacramentLaredo

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be rendered by the US Air Force Laughlin Honor Guard and the American Legion Post 59.

Pallbearers will be: Joe Gage Jr., Fernando Ortega, Ruben Gonzalez Sr., Ruben Gonzalez Jr., Jorge Canales, Christopher Canales, Joe Garcia, Mike Maciel, Alex Perez Jr. and Joe Lopez.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Road, Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.