Gale Stowers, 80 of Centralia died, Friday, February 15, 2019 at his home.

After graduating from Centralia High School, he attended Central Methodist College where he played football, ran track, and graduated with a degree in Economics.  After graduation, he needed a job and enlisted in the Navy as an officer.  His service took him to Vietnam where he spent four years.  After returning home in 1964, he went on a blind date with a nursing student at the University of Missouri-Columbia.  Fortunately for Gale, the date went well, and he married Sharon in 1965.  Sharon received her orders to report to Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital in California, and they made their first home in Encinitas.  Gale worked for Pacific Telephone and Telegraph and sold mutual funds while Sharon fulfilled her commitment to the Navy.

Gale, Sharon and their first child, Terrah, returned to the family farm in 1969.  Sharon was hired as a nurse at Audrain Medical Center and Gale owned and operated Gale's MFA located at the intersection of Highways 22 and 151.  They sold the gas station and Gale went to work for Brada Miller as an over-the-road truck driver.  Their second daughter, Denise, was born in 1973.  While on the family farm, Gale and Sharon raised cattle and hogs along with a jersey milk cow and horses.  Gale drove the "Yellow Banana" until shortly after the birth of their third child, Greg, in 1977. He also served on the board of the Little Dixie Fire Department.  Gale attended Parkview Christian Church for more than 30 years where he served as a deacon.

Gale and Sharon purchased 80 acres, and they eventually built the home in which they lived for the remainder of their 53 years together.  Sharon continued working at Audrain County Hospital and Gale joined his brother in the construction business eventually becoming partners in Stowers Trucking, Inc.  Gale semi-retired around 2010, but continued to run his dump truck between the quarry and Centralia.  In his later years, Gale continued to stay involved with the family's farming and cattle operation as well as enjoying his 9 grandchildren.  He found the greatest peace and satisfaction working on the farm and being with his wife and family.

Along with his wife, Sharon, Gale is survived by daughters, Terrah Stallcup (Scott) of St. Louis, Denise Holiman (Kurt) of Centralia, Greg Stowers (Kara) of Centralia; grandchildren, Madyson, John, Jared, Ella, Rohan, Breelle, Garon, Gavin, and Brycelyn; brother, Gary Stowers (Judy).

Gale was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial donations are suggested to Show Me Christian Youth Home or Central Christian College in care of Fenton Funeral Chapel 104 S. Collier, Centralia, MO 65240.