Dale Merle Gail, 74, of Sedalia, left this life Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at his home.
He was born November 2, 1937, in St. Louis, the son of Marie M. and Sidney Gail. Dale was raised in Herman and Big Springs, MO.
Dale was a veteran of the United States Army and Air Force, serving in Korea and Vietnam during the war. His duties included service in 28 countries around the world. Reaching the rank of Master Sergeant, he served his country honorably from 1955 to 1977.
Dale had a love for motorcycles. While serving at Vandenberg A.F.B., he helped organize a motorcycle club in Lompoc, CA, called the Redskins.
During his service years, he enjoyed racing stock cars, slalom racing with sports cars, racing modifieds. He raced hot rods while at Lakenheath A.F.B. in England. He was a British Champion Qualifier. He also qualified for the Hot Rod Championship of the World.
Following retirement from his service career at Whiteman A.F.B., Dale began another career as and Over-the-road trucking Owner/Operator of Gail Trucking. He traveled to, or through, every one of the continental United States.
Dale bought and fixed old classic cars and took pride in taking his cars to local car shows.
He was a member of VFW Post 2591 and Sedalia Masonic Lodge 236 AF & AM. He also achieved the 32nd degree of the Scottish Rite.
Dale never missed local racing and had a deep love for watching NASCAR. He also loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals play, and was really pleased when they won the World Series.
He leaves his lifelong partner, his wife, Christine, of the home; four sons, Lloyd and wife Susan, of Rhode Island, David and wife Cindy, of Smithton, Glenn of Louisville, KY, and Scott and wife Tammy, of Lee's Summit; his grandchildren, Scott, Jason, Christine, Breanna, Kaslyn, Ashley, Zach, Brady and Makayla; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant grandson, Cody Gail; and a sister, Patricia Cassidy.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Heckart Funeral Home, with Pastors Randy and Dianna Marcum officiating.
Casket bearers will be Zach Gail, Brady Gail, Lyle Street, Reece Cooley, Mark Landrum and Nathan Hutchinson.
Burial will be in Green Ridge Cemetery, with full military honors conducted by the United States Air Force.
The family will receive friends from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at Heckart Funeral Home, where a Masonic service will be held at 7:30 p.m.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg.
