Gale E. Painter

Gale E. Painter, 82, of Villa Grove passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Carle Hospital in Urbana.

He was born on May 24, 1942 in Homer, IL to David and Agnes (Reynolds) Painter.  He married Celeste “Dolly” McCabe on March 4, 1967.

He is survived by his son, Max (Jami) Painter; two grandsons, Andrew (Hannah Anderson) Painter and Alec (Bri Reifsteck) Painter; seven siblings, Hellen Painter, Judy (Jim) Wells, Harold Painter, Dale (Sandy) Painter, Lyle Painter, Jerry Painter, and Terry Painter; and three brother-in-law’s, Bill McCabe, John McCabe, and Marty Reynolds.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolly Painter; parents, David and Agnes Painter; two siblings, Clarence Painter and Anna Markle; and one sister-in-law, Beverly Painter.

Gale attended and graduated from ABL High School.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany for several years.  After serving his country he worked for the University of Illinois for 30 years and always enjoyed watching Illinois football and basketball.  Gale loved to be outdoors camping with his siblings and fishing with his grandsons, and enjoyed his time bowling with them as well.  He truly enjoyed spending time with his family and was very close with all of his siblings. 

A visitation will be held from 10 am – 12 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the Joines Funeral Home in Villa Grove with a funeral service immediately following.  Burial will be at the Locust Grove Cemetery in Philo.

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