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Calvin Ellis “Cal” Hardage, Jr. 53 of rural Chelsea, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from a farming accident. Cal was a loved and respected teacher and school administrator, he never met a stranger, and loved all his students, always smiling and loving life.
He was born on June 9, 1972, in Nowata to Calvin E. Hardage, Sr. and Sharon Kay (Nelson) Hardage. Cal was a 1990 graduate of Chelsea High School. He continued his education at Northeastern A and M College in Miami, Oklahoma State University, Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Southern University where he gained his master’s degree, and was pursuing his doctorate at the University of Phoenix. Cal taught at Vinita Schools for 23 years, in Elementary Education, Computer Science, and Administration.
He was also a truly diverse farmer, raising cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and geese. Cal loved the farm life, he had his own podcast, “Grazing Grass” that he worked hard at, along with several small businesses. Cal married the love of his life, Debora (Medeiros) on February 14, 2003, at the Dupree Baptist Church in Vinita. He loved his wife and family, being with them and taking care of his farm.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Rex and Joyce Hardage, and a brother, Douglas Eugene Hardage.
The family includes; his wife Debora of the home; his parents, Calvin and Sharon Hardage of rural Chelsea; his grandparents, Richard and Leota Nelson of Chelsea; his children, Amorette Medeiros (Dom) of Moore, Dylan Hardage of Claremore, Casha Wood (Carson) of Big Cabin, Shelby Bullard of Chelsea, Tsala Grace (Jordan) of Claremore; siblings, Dr. Steven Hardage (Tracie) of Claremore, Carrie Trahan (Joe) of Chelsea; his grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Avo” include Tyson, Teigan, Titus, Crosbie, Brydon, Noa, Billy, John, and Russell; numerous other relatives and many friends.
The celebration of life will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Peoples Community Center at Bowlin Springs, Pastors, Tony Nash and Greg Highsmith will officiate. Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. “Vinita’s only locally family owned and operated funeral home.”
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