Ed Gayle, son of the late Walter M. Gayle and Nannie Emma Ruth Gayle, was born on May 24, 1925 at Littlefield, Texas and departed this life in the Saint Francis Medical Center at Cape Girardeau on November 15, 2011 at the age of 86.

Mr. Gayle was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter, the former owner of Gayle’s Jewelry in Denver City, Texas for 47 years, a former city council member and Mayor of Denver City, Texas.  He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the European Theatre during World War II, where he received the Purple Heart. 

He enjoyed woodworking, horseback riding and farming. Mr. Gayle was very patriotic and one of his most memorable experiences, was getting to place the wreath on the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery while he was on the World War Two Honor Tour in 2007.

He was united in marriage to Dolores O’Keeffe on May 18,1948 at Denver City, Texas. Mrs. Gayle survives of the home in Dexter.

Besides his wife, he is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Howard and DeVonna Gayle of Eastland, Texas: by one daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Jay Lemons of Dexter: by four grandchildren, Chawnda Branscome, Dustin Patterson, Joshua Gayle and Kristyn Lemons: by six great-grandchildren, Logan Gatlin, Skye Patterson, Madilyn Patterson, Mark Gayle, Brendon Gayle and Audrey Gayle: by three sisters, Naomi Wisener of Tyler, Texas, Marie Galle of Jal,New Mexico and Jean Poe of Denver City, Texas.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Mark Gayle: and by four brothers, Virgle Gayle, Alvin Gayle, Walt Gayle and Don Gayle.

Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter from 10 a.m. until 11 a,m., Friday, November 18, 2011.  A  memorial service will then be conducted at 11 a.m.,. in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel with Dr. Steve Easterwood officiating.

Memorials may be made to the 18 Fore Life, in care of Scott Kruse, 705 Laurie Circle, Dexter, Mo.  63841.