Joseph Cecil Gage

Mr. Joseph C. Gage was born to Mr. Joseph L. and Jennie Lee Gage on November 29, 1939 in Inspiration, Arizona. Joe grew up on the company, minesite alongside his older sister, Emma Jean brown. He graduated in 1957 from Miami high school in Arizona home of the Vandals. Shortly after he join the United States Air Force. During his time in the Air Force he was stationed in Labador, Canada and Amarillo, Texas, working as an air traffic controller.

In 1963. He met the love of his life Patricia (Pat). She pre-deceased him on April 25, 2023 shortly after celebrating their 60th anniversary.

In 1961 he graduated in Oklahoma to become an air traffic controller. His first assignment was at phoenix, sky harbor. His next assignment took him and his new bride to Albuquerque, New Mexico to work at the Albuquerque Center for Phoenix approach. Over his 30+ years of experience he worked the space shuttle transport, every sitting US president, and the first hijacking the United States. He showed character and determination as he crossed picket lines to protect our country during the strike in the 80s.

In his time away from work, his wife and him would love to go visit their family in Arizona. Another love was fishing and water skiing at their place at Concha’s lake or going camping the Jemez mountains.

In 1973 Joe and Pat welcomed their one and only daughter Janet. He spent much time teaching her hunting, fishing, home repair, and automotive care. His one regret was she did not spend more time learning to cook from her mother. However, his 1968 Ford three-quarter ton pick up with the California package was always his first loved child.

Upon retirement, he was not ready to quit working. He spent much time at his much beloved Fitness Center, Tom Youngs, and started driving part time for Avis, returning cars with other retirees.

In 1995 they decided it was time to move back to Arizona to be closer to family. They spent the next 25 years, making a life in Pine Arizona. Joe in 1995 joined as a volunteer the sheriff posse of Gila county. For the next 13 years his volunteer service would include prisoner transports, guard, duty, traffic duty, and anything that he knew would help the community. One of the memories he talked about is how brave the firefighters were who helped out during the Rodeo-Chediski fires.

If you were a neighbor or spend time in Pine, he would always be happy to help you out and most times you could find him and his wife walking their beloved dogs.

In 2015 he was surprised to become a grandfather for the first time to beautiful grandson. His grandson’s first name is Gage to honor him. He was not always sure how to handle a young one. He did teach his grandson, the best handshake, and loved him very much.

In 2020 due to concern for his wife’s health they moved into his daughter’s family home in Tucson, Arizona. On April 24, 2020 a large herd of elk bid them farewell from Pine, Arizona.

For the next three years he helped make the multigenerational house a home. Joe and his wife Pat spent every day enjoying replays of old football games and westerns while holding each other’s hands. They celebrated their 60th anniversary on April 22, 2023 on April 25 his life long love Patricia Gage left for the arms of the Lord.

Unfortunately, several health issues occurred during his time in Tucson. In the summer of 2020 he stood up, whiled retrieving a pack rat trap from under his truck and broke his hip. The following summer, he suffered dizzy spell when getting ready to swim and fell down and lost consciousness on the pool deck and was treated for micro fractures at the hospital. In February 2023 he fell down and broke his nose letting the dog back in from outside. Regardless of the challenge he fought and persevered. July 19 after taking a swim in the pool Joe fell down and broke his other hip. After another surgery at the hospital, he was on the road to recovery. Ultimately, issues arose during his treatment. He was transported home July 28th and entered into hospice.

Mr. Joseph Cecil Gage was called to Heaven from his home in Tucson Arizona on August 3, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Gage is survived by his only child, Janet Warter, her husband(son), Daniel Warter, his grandson, Gage Warter and numerous nieces and nephews. The Hidalgo family were especially endeared and loved by Joe.

At a later time a celebration will be held to honor Joe and Pat Gage. In lieu of cards or flowers please tell someone that you love how much they mean. Joe’s family has been blessed by Casa De La Luz for their services and their compassion.

Rest in peace in the arms of God, Joseph Cecil Gage

November 29, 1939 to August 3, 2023