Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer

Dexter, Missouri - The American Legion Post #59 of Dexter, Missouri established a Disabled Veterans Wildlife Facility on the farm owned by Tom Love.   Many disabled veterans have hunted, camped and just spent hours enjoying the peacefulness of this beautiful and breathtaking hide-away located just north of town.

One of the veterans who truly enjoyed using the facility was Mr. Ed Gayle, a WWII veteran who served in the European Theatre where he received his Purple Heart.  He loved the outdoors and made several trips out to the facility always enjoying the fresh air, the smell of pine and watching deer and turkey.

Ed was the former owner of Gayle’s Jewelry in Denver City, Texas for 47 years, a former city council member and mayor of Denver City as well.  Mr. Gayle was also very patriotic and one of his most wonderful experiences was getting to place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery while he was on the World War II Honor Tour in 2007.  He enjoyed many things in life, mostly the outdoors, horseback riding and farming.

Mr. Gayle attended the First Baptist Church in Dexter, Missouri where he was a member of Bob Coffey’s Sunday school class.  With Ed’s passing in November of 2011, Bob’s Sunday school class wanted to do something special in his honor.  They began raising money to donate to the Disabled Veterans Wildlife Facility where Ed had spent so much time.

A plaque was made in his honor and Ed’s wife, Dolores, was flattered to hear the news.  She wanted the plaque to remain in the cabin to give recognition and honor to the Disabled Veterans Wildlife Facility and the American Legion Post #59 as Mr. Gayle was such a strong supporter of this project.  The money raised by the Sunday school class was also donated and will be used for projects to help disabled veterans enjoy what the facility has to offer.

This week Mrs. Dolores Gayle along with American Legion Post members Mr. Darryl Lapierre and Mr. Jim Adams took the plaque to the Disabled Veterans Wildlife Facility.  Mr. Bob Coffey from the First Baptist Church Sunday school class was on hand as well to honor such an amazing veteran and outdoorsman.