Jack E. Gage, 74, of Arkansas City, died Saturday, May 3, 2008, at his home under the care of his family and hospice in Arkansas City. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at the Hawks Funeral Home in Arkansas City with the Reverend Jack Dickson officiating. Interment will be in the Springside Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday. The family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. On Wednesday, the casket will not be open.

Jack was born on July 2, 1933 in East Bolton Township in Cowley County, the son of Roy D. and Genevieve Jacques Gage. He attended Arkansas City Schools. Jack faithfully served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War from 1950 to 1954. He served on the SS Carmick, a naval mine sweeper.

On April 23, 1961, he married Ruene Crampton in Miami, Okla. Jack worked at Rodeo Meats for 22 years. He later retired from the Rural Water District No. 1 and Gage Ditching. Jack was a life member of the V.F.W. Spencer Ralston Post No. 1254, serving in all offices, including commander, state commander and national aide-de-camp. He was a life member of American Legion Post No. 18. Jack was a 32nd degree Mason, a Shriner and a member of Crescent Lodge No. 133. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, was an avid KU fan and a St. Louis Cardinals fan. Jack was rural water operator of the year in 1991. Most of all Jack loved his wife, children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Ruene Gage, of Arkansas City; son, Mark Gage and his wife, Holly, of Arkansas City; and daughter, Heather Jackson and her husband, Justin, of Summerville, S.C.; brother, Arch Gage and his wife, Gin, of Santa Cruz, Calif., Roy Gage and his wife, Pat, of Martinez, Calif., and John Gage Sr. and his wife, Minnie, of Arkansas City; sister, Neda Joe Bills, of Arkansas City; grandchildren, Denton Gage, of Claremore, Okla., Katie Gage McKenna and her husband, James, of Winfield, Evan Jackson, of Summerville, S.C., Nolan Jackson, of Summerville, S.C.. and Aidan Jackson. of Summerville, S.C.; great-grandson Brendan McKenna. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Conrad Gage and Tom Gage; and sister, Virginia Wahler.

Memorials have been established with the Bob Dole Veterans Hospital and the Hospice Care of Kansas. Contributions can be made through the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hawks Funeral Home, Arkansas City.