Otis Gage

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Otis L. Gage, 92 years young, of Granby, MO, passed away on Jan. 9, 2023, after a short hospital stay.

Otis was born to Luther & Lula Gage, in Bono, AR, on March 5, 1930. When Otis was 21 he joined the United States Army and served from 1951-1953. Otis worked several jobs after his time in the service, but the one he talked about most was driving a kindergarten bus for a local school. He loved telling stories about funny things the kids said to him.

Otis loved nature and he enjoyed sharing his knowledge with his granddaughters and his great-grandchildren. There was nothing more important to Otis than his family. He enjoyed everyone getting together to play dominoes, going to yard sales, going out to eat, and just spending time together in general. He also enjoyed volunteering with Bright Futures in Neosho, MO, watching old westerns, making wine, and listening to country & bluegrass music.

Otis never met a stranger; he was a friend to everyone and loved to sit and visit every chance he got. He was a great storyteller and never had a shortage of good ones to tell. Otis did his best to enjoy life to the fullest, and he was such a big presence in the lives of people who knew him. His family, friends, and the community are going to miss him immensely.

Otis was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Lizzy, and brothers, Jasper, Curtis, Leroy, and Everette. He leaves behind two sons, Kenneth Gilstrap of Neosho, MO, and Jim Gilstrap & wife Debbie of Seneca, MO; two granddaughters, Tara Robinson & husband Jared of Wyandotte, OK, and Lacy Kelly & husband Patrick of Carthage, MO; five great-grandchildren: Kolton, Taya, & Jaxon Robinson, and Canaan & Liam Kelly; as well as a host of extended family and friends.


It was Otis’ final wishes to be cremated and laid to rest at his family’s cemetery in Ravenden Springs, AR. The family will hold a private ceremony at a later date with military honors.