I was born in NW MO, Gentry Co., Alanthus Grove.  I grew up east of town on a farm.  I attended a one-room school until my 9^th grade when I attended the “town” High School.  I rode a bus for 2 yrs. until we moved to “town,” Stanberry.  I graduated High School in 1954.  (It took me 12 yrs. to graduate school!) 

We moved to Branson my sr. year and my dad worked at building Table Rock Dam.  I also worked there for awhile.  I then became employed at Hart’s Super Market in Branson, advancing to “Produce Manger.” 

I met and married my wife of 52 yrs. there in Branson.  We lived there planning to remain there for the rest of our lives.  We had our four children there.   

However, God had a plan for us.  It did not include living in Branson , MO.  While attending the First Baptist Church in Branson I felt God’s call to pastoral Ministry.   We left Branson in 1963 and moved to Bolivar, MO where I attended Southwest Baptist College .  (Now Southwest Baptist University .)  I graduated there in 1966 with an A.A., and in 1967 with a B.A.  in history and Christianity. 

We ministered in Carlton , KS (15 mi. s of Abilene ) in 1967.  I served there until 1969 when we moved to Wathena , KS and began our ministry there.  We served there until 1984 when we received a “call” to minister in Oswego , KS .  We served there until we received a “call” at Humboldt , KS .  We currently reside there.

I had a “mitral valve” replaced in 1996 and had to take a “medical retirement” then. 

I have served the Region as an “Interim Minister” now in Bella Vista , Ark , Garnett, Ks, and Augusta , Ks.   

We have four children; Eva, Christopher, Tressa, & Melinda.  We also have nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

Julia and I are looking forward to ministering there in Atchison .

                                                            Rev. W. Kerry Gage