Howard Donald Gage Sr.

Howard Donald Gage, Sr. born February 14, 1935 passed away from this earthly life into our heavenly Father’s arms on August 21, 2022. Don was born in Laurel, Mississippi, and grew up in Meridian, Mississippi. His parents, Mathew C. and Celesta V. Gage and his sisters, Vernell, Mary, Nancy, Rachel, Patricia, and Anne preceded Don in death.

Don is survived by his current wife, Betty Herring Gage; two children, Howard Donald Gage, Jr. (Jenny) and Julie Anne Manilli (Christian); five grandchildren, Sarah Zalkind (Aaron), Nick Manilli, Donald Gage, Matt Manilli and John Manilli; four stepchildren, Richard R. Herring (Kyong), Randall N. Herring, Donna Adwan (Kenneth) and Donald M. Herring (Nicki); nine step grandchildren, Brandon Herring (Caitlin), Christopher Herring, Jenna Simek, Justin Herring (Jennifer), Jeremy Warmels Herring (Tristan), Jarod Herring, Walt Herring, Russ Adwan, and David Adwan. He was blessed with four great grandchildren, Faith, Hannah, Corbin, and Addyson, along with many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Don attended Birmingham Southern and then transferred to Millsap where he played football and tennis. He graduated from Florida State University with a degree in meteorology. Don spent over twenty years in the Air Force, seven years as a Navigator/Bombardier in Strategic Air Command, five years as a Navigator in C-5’s, and three years as a Commander of a weather detachment in Mildenhall Royal Air Force, England. In retirement, he enjoyed life by selling insurance, office management, and even ranching. Bridge became one of his favorite pass times along with tennis, golfing, and bowling. He volunteered a few years at Baptist Hospital while residing in Winston Salem, then moved to Biloxi, Mississippi, and in 2001 moved to Pensacola, Florida and married Betty Bates Herring. They started a new chapter by traveling, cruising, playing bridge, dancing and visiting with their children.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 26, 2022 at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations may be made to the Heart Fund, Cancer Fund, Dementing Illness/Alzheimer’s Association, Cokesbury Methodist Church or any charity of your choice.

BAYVIEW FISHER-POU CHAPEL, 3351 Scenic Hwy., entrusted with arrangements. Fond memories and condolences may be offered at www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com.