NEW WHITELAND
William “Bill” F. Gale, 86, of New Whiteland, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at his home.
He was born Jan. 29, 1931, in Peoria, Illinois, to his parents, William C. and Mina (Warren) Gale.
He served his country in the United States Army and while serving in the Korean War, he unexpectedly became pen-pals with Ellen and they quickly fell in love.
They first saw one another upon his return, on June 5, 1953. Their love continued to blossom and Ellen Wathen married Bill Gale on May 29, 1954, at Assumption Catholic Church, in Indianapolis.
Bill was very proud of being a Korean War veteran and he worked as the senior distribution operator for Eli Lilly and Company for 36 years. He was a member of the Eli Lilly camping club, Lucky Squares dance club, and Indy Travelers camping and dancing club. He attended and was a member of Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic Church, faithfully for 58 years. William enjoyed collecting bottles, rocks, Coca-Cola memorabilia, model cars, and cowboy and Indian pictures and statues.
He loved bowling, golfing, watching westerns, and spending time with his family. Bill and Ellen loved to travel — especially through America and abroad. After retirement, they became snowbirds to the Rio Grande Valley, in Texas, and Lakeland, Florida.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He never knew a stranger and could strike a conversation with anyone. He loved life and lived it to the fullest.
He is survived by his loving wife, of 62 years, Ellen (Wathen) Gale of New Whiteland, his five children, William (Linda) Gale and Steven (Jennifer) Gale, both of Franklin, Debra (Brian) Yates of New Whiteland, Brenda (Brian) Clark of Indianapolis and Jennifer (Robert) Flodder of Franklin; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Allen Gal; a sister, Donna Gale; a daughter, Karen Sue Gale, and grandchild, Michelle Flodder, and a great-grandchild, Katelyn Gale.
The Rev. Mark Svarczkopf will be conducting a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of the Greenwood Roman Catholic Church, Greenwood. The family will be hosting a visitation from 9 a.m., until the time of the service, at the church. Entombment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Indianapolis.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jessen Funeral Home, Whiteland Chapel.
Information: jessenfuneralhome.com.
