Nickie Wayne Gage, 78 of Vernon, Texas passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, in Vernon, Texas.

Funeral services will be held, Friday, January 24, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Danny Lucas officiating. Burial will follow at Wilbarger Memorial Park under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.

Nickie was born on June 23, 1946, in Littlefield, TX.  He grew up in Lubbock, TX and graduated from Lubbock High School in 1965.  After high school he went to Texas Tech University on a football scholarship but later left Tech after suffering a back injury in pre-season.  He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as a Special Forces demolitions specialist. He received a purple heart and a Bronze star with a V device for his bravery.  After returning from Vietnam, he opened an auto repair business in Lubbock and started building race cars.  Nickie was involved in various activities apart from work including rodeo and race car driving.  During this time, he met Glenda Reinisch, a Vernon native.  They married in 1975 and moved to Sheffield, TX where Nickie opened another auto repair shop and the couple adopted their first son, Cameron Wayne Gage in 1979.  After Sheffield, Nickie and his family lived in Coleman, TX where he opened an outdoor sporting goods store and auto shop.  The Gages moved to Vernon in 1985 where Nickie opened Nickie's Automotive as well as founding the Wilbarger County Bass Club.  The Gages adopted their second son, Tyler Elton Gage, in 1986.  Nickie was self-employed all his life and transitioned Nickie's Automotive to Gage Iron Works in 2000 where he focused on welding and ornamental iron décor.  Nickie contributed his welding talent to the Vernon sign which greets incoming drivers on the east side of town off 287 and the gazebo at Orbison Park as well as various other signs and gates in Vernon.  Nickie retired in 2015.

He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Glenda Reinisch Gage of Vernon, son Cameron Gage of Denver, CO, and son Tyler Gage of Wichita Falls.  Preceding him in death are his father L.C. Gage and mother Ollie Mae Gage as well as his brothers Darrell Gage and Kenny Gage.  Nickie was a confirmed member of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Vernon.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Sullivan Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Patriot Guard Riders or Wounded Warrior Project.