Merton "Bud" Everett Gage, 84.

• Position: DEATHS

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...