Joy Ross McCage, 85, of Beatrice, Nebraska passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at his home.  He was born on August 9, 1940, in Falls City, Nebraska to Lewis Ross and Nellie Irene (Butler) McCage. At a young age, his family moved to a farm northeast of Table Rock where he attended Pleasant Hill District #52 country school.  Joy then attended Table Rock High School and graduated with the class of 1959.  After high school, Joy enlisted in the United States Army and served in active-duty status from October 2, 1962, until his honorable discharge on October 1, 1964.  He later served twenty -three years in the Army Reserves, and Army and Air National Guard. On February 21, 1964, Joy married Cheryl D. Rainwater at Fort MacArthur, California.  The couple divorced after 35 years of marriage. He later married Marilyn K. Schweiger on September 3, 2000.  The couple would later divorce. 

 

Throughout his life, Joy lived and worked in Nebraska, California, Iowa, and Nevada.  He worked as a machinist over the years and was involved in machining valves for the Alaska Pipeline in the late 1970’s.  Joy was also employed as a factory worker in the different states he resided in.  He was a member of the First Christian Church in Beatrice where he served as a Deacon.  Joy passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at his home in Beatrice, Nebraska, having reached the earthly age of eighty-five years, eleven months, and seventeen days.  He is preceded in death by his parents, son Christopher Martin McCage, sister Mary (Robert) Siske, niece Rhonda VanDertholen, great-nephew Zane Robert Ross VanDertholen, great-niece April Kreifel and brother-in-law LaVon Covault.

 

Joy is survived by his children: Timothy McCage of Reno, NV; Joy Rose of Beatrice, NE; Sarah Harlan of Jettersville, VA; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; his sister Gleora Covault of Table Rock, NE; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 

 

A Celebration of Joy’s Life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the Wherry Mortuary, 919 "G" Street in Pawnee City, Nebraska with Pastor Howard Blecha officiating. 

 

Graveside Interment Services will be held at noon on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska with full military honors conducted.

 

Memorials contributions may go to the family’s choice with a later designation.

 

Condolences may be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com

 

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary - 919 "G" Street Pawnee City, Nebraska 68420 (402) 852-2387.