- Date Of Birth: January 29, 1931
- Date Of Death: March 1, 2017
- State: Indiana
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 on January 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 thirty-six 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 Roman Catholic Church, faithfully for 58 years. William enjoyed collecting bottles, rocks, Coca-Cola memorabilia, model cars, and cowboy & 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, FL. 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, seventeen grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Allen Gale, a sister, Donna Gale, a daughter, Karen Sue Gale, and grandchild, Michelle Flodder, and a great-grandchild, Katelyn Gale.
