Vernon Gage

Volney Vernon Gage, Jr. 85, of Tipton, MO, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City, MO.

He was born in El Monte, California, the son of Volney Vernon, Sr. and Pearl (Matthews) Gage. On June 20, 1964, he was united in marriage to Peggy Hutchison at the Fortuna United Methodist Church.

Vernon devoted his professional life to serving rural Missouri through CO-MO Electric Cooperative. During an extraordinary 44-year career, he began as a bookkeeper and, through his dedication, integrity, and visionary leadership, rose to become General Manager before his retirement. Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly to strengthen rural electric cooperatives and improve the communities they served.

His leadership extended far beyond CO-MO Electric. Vernon served on numerous boards and organizations. He represented Missouri on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Board of Directors. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the cooperative movement, he was inducted into the Missouri Institute of Cooperatives Hall of Fame. He also dedicated eleven years of service to the Missouri Institute of Cooperatives. He served as President of the Board of Directors for Central Electric Power Cooperative. Earlier in his career, he served as President of the Missouri Electric Cooperatives Employees' Credit Union.

Vernon believed deeply in giving back to his community. He served as President of the Tipton Kiwanis Club and was honored with the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree for his support of agricultural education and youth. He was an active member of the Moniteau County Republican Club, a Life Member of the Friends of the Maclay Home, and faithfully served on its Board of Directors from 1982 until 2013. He was also a proud member of Tipton American Legion Edgar Cole Post 304.

His lifelong commitment to service was recognized when he was selected as Community Member of the Year by the Tipton Chamber of Commerce, an honor that reflected the respect and admiration he earned from those whose lives he touched.

Survivors include his wife Peggy of 62 years; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sally Crabtree (Larry); four nephews, Michael (Carmen) Gage; John (Angie), Peter (Tracee), and Michael (Beth) Claas; two nieces, JoAnn Lucas (Lanny), Robyn Combs (Randy); great nieces and nephews, Brennan, Jared, Hannah, Mackenzie, Halle, Justin, Gage, Blake, Ella, Owen, Myra, and Grady Claas, Krista Thacker, Bobbi Jo Garber, Cory and Calen Bestgen, Colby Lehman, Craig and Danny Hutchison, Sarah Sanders; 32 great-great nieces and nephews; and nine great-great-great nieces and nephews.

In addition to both of his parents he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy Jean Olson (Eddie); one sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Shirley (Gene) Kruse; two nephews, Tommy Hutchison and Charlie Brondel; one great niece, Autumn Brondel.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Fortuna Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at the church with burial to follow in the Green Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Maclay Home.