Gale Lee McClanahan was born April 4, 1945, in Glendale, Missouri to Roy and Elsie McClanahan. He was the second youngest of six children.

Gale grew up in the Kirkwood area and attended Kirkwood High School, where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball.  More, importantly, it was during those years that he met Marjo Frein, who would become his wife and the love of his life.

As a talented high school athlete, Gale earned a scholarship to play baseball at Southeast Missouri State University. His promising baseball career was cut short by injury, but his love of sports would remain a constant throughout his life. While in college, Gale enlisted in the National Guard during the Vietnam War, and served for 7 years.

After college, Gale and Marjo returned to St. Louis and began what would become a 59-year marriage. Together they raised three daughters, Sheri, Lara and Cori. Sports were a big part of the McClanahan household, and Gale coached his daughters in softball and soccer and rarely missed an opportunity to watch them compete. He also loved their three dogs Snoopy, Misty and Albert as a big part of their family life over the years.

Gale primarily spent his career in pharmaceutical sales and education spending the beginning of his career in education and coaching. As he moved toward his later years, he worked in other sales areas but eventually settled on substitute teaching in many schools around the St. Louis area which he felt like made an impact on many young people's lives.

Anyone who knew Gale knew that he loved to talk, laugh, joke and tell stories. He had an outgoing personality, a quick smile and an ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Above all else, however, he loved his family… Marjo, his daughters, his grandkids, his brothers and sisters and their kids. He always prioritized his family and was the most happy when family was around.

They were fortunate to raise their daughters in a close-knit neighborhood that became an important part of their lives. From frequent neighborhood gatherings to countless boating adventures with friends and neighbors, those years were filled with fun and laughter, and many friendships that remain in place to this day.

His favorite hobby was playing golf, but he was also a lifelong sports fan rooting for all St. Louis teams as well as Mizzou football and basketball. His biggest sports passion was his love for the St. Louis Cardinals. A Cardinals hat, shirt or jacket was practically his uniform. He and Marjo enjoyed watching as many games as they could through the season and were also expecting to see a World Series championship at the end. Which they were fortunate enough to see many times.

Later in life, some of Gale's happiest moments came from being a grandpa to Ryder, Brendon Jr. and Dean. All three boys are active in youth baseball, and he and Marjo attended virtually every game and practice to keep track of all of their exciting progress. The boys held a special place in his heart and he really cherished their time together.

Most of all though was his love for Marjo. From meeting as teenagers through raising their three wonderful daughters, becoming grandparents and growing older together, Gale and Marjo also shared a remarkable 59-year marriage. Their life together spanned nearly six decades and countless ordinary days that, taken together, became an extraordinary life.

Gale is survived by his loving wife Marjo, their daughters and sons-in-law, Sheri (Tom) Jack, Lara (Craig) Dixon and Cori (Brendon) McLeroy; his grandsons, Ryder, Brendon Jr. and Dean; his brother, Gene; his sister Betty Keely, his brother-in-law, Jerry Frein; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gale lived his life with enthusiasm, humor, a family focus and an unmistakable optimism that guided him throughout all of his days. Gale was dearly loved and will be missed by all that knew him.

Services: Visitation will be held at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, MO  63011, on Thursday, September 10th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.