09/24/2021
Gary Wayne Sage was the seventh of 11 children born to Corwin and Margaret (Clark) Sage on June 27, 1959, in Chariton, Iowa. He was raised East of Columbia on an 80 acre farm. Gary attended Columbia Country School for two years, then Knoxville Community Schools where he graduated in 1977. During his school years he participated in wrestling, FFA and High School rodeo. After graduating high school Gary worked for PPI, then went to work on the oil rigs in Wyoming from 1980-81. After returning to Iowa, he went to work in the concrete business for 38 years.
Gary had a love for his family and friends that was never ending. His most treasured was his daughter, Taylor, who was his pride and joy. Gary always had a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews. He also had a love for golf and you could see him playing a round or two often.
Gary’s love for rodeo met or exceeded family and friends. He started riding at the age of 15 and won many Championships with numerous buckles and saddles to show for his talent. After a good ride, Gary would always bow down on a knee and blow kisses to the crowd. His unmeasurable love of the sport was not only in the bareback riding as a competitor, but also on the stock contractor side where he invested in livestock. Gary took many young and upcoming contestants under his wing where he shared his wisdom of the sport. He could be seen on the back of the bucking chutes flanking the bulls and horses at Grand River, Iowa rodeos.
Gary was always a showman in and out of the arena. He was a friend to all he crossed paths with and always had a story to tell. Gary was a member of many associations along the way including IRA, IRCA, URA, Mid States, IPRA, PRCA, and a few in the western states. He served on many of the association boards as a director. If ever a question arose, Gary would often look to his mentor, Doyle Wookey who was a lifelong friend. In his younger years, you could not only find Gary traveling with many friends and fellow competitors, but also his dogs – Beuford, Maggie, Ottis and Cowboy.
Gary passed away on September 24, 2021, at the age of 62 years two months 28 days. He leaves behind his daughter Taylor Sage of Colfax, Iowa, and her mother, Linda Baetsle; eight siblings and their spouses: Charles and Patricia Sage of Knoxville, Iowa, Marilyn and Randy DesCamps of Knoxville, Iowa, Mike and Gloria Sage of Monroe, Iowa, Dick and Angie Sage of Osceola, Iowa, Barb and Dwight Kennedy of Colfax, Iowa, Steve and Summer Sage of Colfax, Iowa, Linda and Jeff Carter of Knoxville, Iowa and Dean Sage of Newton, Kansas. Gary also leaves behind his very special friend Claudia Kessler of Colfax, Iowa; great friends – The Wookey Family: Doris, Kevin and Shari of Grand River, Iowa as well and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Corwin and Margaret Sage, sister, Patricia Sage, brother Dennis Sage, and his wife Cheryl, great niece, Aleeyah Carter, and great nephew, Brennon Vest.
Gary touched the lives of many and will be missed by all.
Fly High Cowboy, your entry fees have been paid – Enjoy the ride!
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 27, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Williams Funeral Home, Knoxville, Iowa.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 9. 2021 at 1:00 pm at The Silver Spur Cafe, Grand River, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be given for the Columbia Fire & Rescue in Columbia, Iowa or to Taylor Sage or Barb Kennedy for the Interstates Rodeo Association.
Williams Funeral Home in Knoxville is in charge of the arrangements.