Lee H. Gale, age 71, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023, surrounded by his family at the Salina Regional Health Center, Salina, Kansas. He was born in Concordia, Kansas on June 17, 1952, to Dr. Mark Ernest and Jane (Boyd) Gale.
Lee graduated from Concordia High School in 1970. He then went on to graduate from Kansas State University in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
He married Terri Williams on January 3, 1976, in Salina, Kansas. To this union two daughters were born Nicki and Nanci. Lee and Terri were united in marriage for 40 years.
Lee was an operational manager for several retail department stores. In 1993 he received his master’s degree in divinity from North America Baptist Seminary. After receiving his master’s in divinity, he served several congregations as a Methodist Pastor in the Dakota Conference. Lee’s motor coach service started for Ottertail Minn-Dakota Coaches. He later was a bus driver for Village Travel out of Wichita, Kansas. His last and proudest bus driving position was for the Cloud County Community College Athletic Department.
He married his Concordia high school classmate Marla Joy Jorgensen on Aug. 12, 2017.
Lee was an avid Kansas State University, and Chiefs fan taking in all their games. Most of all he truly enjoyed his Cloud County (Dirty Birds) sporting events. Lee was a connoisseur of coffee and would welcome anyone for a cup and visit.
Lee is survived by his two daughters, Nicki Gale-Youngberg (Christopher), Fergus Falls, MN; Nanci Wilson (Mark), Minto, ND; Their mother, Terri Shugrue (Tim), Callahan, FL; his two grandsons, Cooper Wilson, and Weston Youngberg; two nephews, Rich Smith, Topeka, KS; Rob Smith (Janelle), Henderson, TX; a niece, Pam Clark (Brad), Meriden, KS.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Mark and Jane Gale, wife, Marla Joy Jorgensen, sister, Nancy Smith (who died two days before him), brother-in-law, Richard Smith and great niece, Lydia Clark.
There will be no formal visitation.
It was Lee’s wish to be cremated and a graveside memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 20, 2023, at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia, Kansas with Rev. Mark Crist officiating.
The family requests casual CCCC, KSU or KC Chiefs attire at the graveside.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Cloud County Community College Athletic Department in care of the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.
