John Ross Froage

John Ross Froage was born on August 8, 1945 at the Newman Memorial Hospital in Shattuck, OK. He was the only child of Ross and Lila (Murry) Froage. He was raised in Gage and attended all his schooling there, graduating with the class of 1963. Then, he attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in Mathematics and Physics. There he met and married Carole Wildman on May 29, 1966 at the First Christian Church in Gage. During the next nine years, three sons were born; Jeffrey John, Jeremy Don, and Jason Lynn.

John always liked the idea of owning his own business, so John and Carole purchased the J& C Grocery in Gage. They sold the store after four years when John had surgery and could no longer do heavy lifting.

John taught at Clinton Public Schools, Gage Public Schools and Arnett Public Schools. He received a Masters of Education Degree in counseling from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, and an Oklahoma Superintendent Certificate from Tulsa University. He became the high school principal in Gage, and later he became the superintendent at Gage and Sharon-Mutual Public Schools.

John accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized at nine years old at the First Christian Church. He and Carole were members of the First Christian Church and were the Youth Sponsors. They later joined the First Baptist Church in Gage.

John was active in the Gage community. He helped with the Gage Roadrunner Marathon and was a member of the Town Board. He served as a member of the Gage Chamber of Commerce for many years.

John had many talents and hobbies; he was a talented “Handyman” and could fix anything. For years, his mechanic skills kept the cars running for his three sons. He loved and raced motorcycles, enjoyed fishing, dove hunting, and water-skiing. He was an amateur Ham Radio operator (WB5OVQ), and he taught classes in Ellis County helping others obtain their license. John was an excellent cook and loved being in the kitchen. He was a talented wood-crafter, always making wood projects for family and friends. Also, he made over 10,000 metal crosses with the slogan “Pray for America” that he gave to family, friends, church members, and strangers.

Over the years, John developed many health problems. With his faith in God, he bravely faced each one. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Carole of the home; son-Jeremy of Amarillo, Texas, son-Jason of Gage, and grandson Gunner Froage of Gage; two sisters-in law, Cheryl Martin of Edmond and Ladonna Wildman of Custer City; three nephews and a niece, along with a multitude of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Ross and Lila Froage, his oldest son Jeff, and two brothers-in-law, Craig and Tom Wildman.

John was a devoted husband and a proud father; he passed from this life on April 8th, 2026 at home surrounded by his family. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

On behalf of the Froage family, we wish to express our gratitude for your
kindness in thoughts, words, deeds and for your attendance here today.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to:
The Gage Fire Department
In care of Shaw Funeral Home
P.0. Box 276
Vici, Oklahoma 73859