Fred Howard Gage, 95, passed away on November 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 5, 1930, in Wawaka, IN, a son of Frank and Alice (Caldwell) Gage. Fred was raised near Albion, IN, with his eight siblings in a rural farming community. He graduated from Albion High School in 1948 and International Business College of Fort Wayne in 1950. Fred enlisted with the United States Air Force in 1951 and proudly served his country until 1955. He married the love of his life, Grace, in June 1954 in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, Canada.
After his military discharge, Fred graduated with honors from Indiana University School of Business with a degree in Accounting in 1958. He worked for Ernst & Ernst before becoming a founding member of Baden, Gage & Schroeder. Fred took his work as a CPA very seriously; he proudly held his CPA license until his passing. He was a council member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Indiana CPA Society, serving as Indiana’s president from 1987 to 1988. Fred was also active in various charitable organizations, most notably Junior Achievement and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
After retiring as a CPA in 1991, Fred purchased Brindle Products, Inc. in Grabill, IN, a tank truck supply company he ran as CEO with several members of his family. While work and family were his two primary focuses in life, Fred also loved to travel and Lake Wawasee – he visited all 48 contiguous United States and rarely missed an I.U. football game.
Fred is survived by his children, Joseph (Sonia) Gage, and Joan (Todd) Headrick; grandchildren, Andrea Gage, Brittany Gage, and Zachary Gage; great-grandchildren, Bella, Chase, Carter, Maddie, and Greyson; and his sisters, Norma Bogner and Carolyn (Jim) Pippenger.
Fred was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Grace M. (Mulherin) Gage; his parents; and his brothers, Robert Gage, James Gage, Dick Gage, Bill Gage, Tom Gage, and Bud Gage; and his brother-in-law, Harry Bogner.
Funeral Service is 11:00 am, December 3, 2025, at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes – Pine Valley, 1320 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Friends and family will also be received 4:00 - 7:00 pm on December 2, at the funeral home. Interment at Highland Park Cemetery and Mausoleum.
Memorial contributions in Fred’s memory may be made to the Indiana CPA Society or to Luminary Hospice.
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