Richard Gale

Richard was born on January 24, 1938 to William “Bill” Lee Gale and Ollie Leona Thompson. Richard attended and graduated from Colorado ISD in 1956. Richard enjoyed showing livestock while in high school, a love that he passed on to both of his sons.

After high school, Richard did his patriotic duty by serving in the U.S. Army in the tank division at Ft Bliss. Following his discharge, Richard moved his young family to South Dakota where he went to work as a ranch foreman. Then he took his family to Channing, Texas where he again went to work as a ranch foreman for an owner who became his best friend and partner in the cattle business. In 1966 he had a chance to come back to Mitchell County to farm and he jumped at the opportunity. To help make ends meet, he took a second job from 1967 through 1971 working for Uppenheimer Cattle Company out of Kansas City, Missouri as a cattle inspector. With his brother Melvin, his two sons Gary and Bruce, and long time employee Junior Gonzales, they continued to build fences, work cattle, and farm. Of course, when it came time for manual labor, Richard would have some kind of business to take care of somewhere else! In 1999, Richard was very proud to receive the Outstanding Farm and Family award with his family present.

Richard married the love of his life, Nell, on March 4, 1989. They continued farming at “Looney Flats” in the Looney Community until finally moving to town when they decided that it was time to retire and enjoy time with family and friends. Upon retirement Richard spent time driving around town, visiting and aggravating his friends in the community. Richard gave everyone he met a nickname, including himself. He was soon known as “Chief” all over town. In his later years, Richard enjoyed his visits to the Dairy Queen with his friends. He always said “they made a million and lost a million” in the afternoon.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Nell Gale of Colorado City, his son, Gary Gale and wife Cheryl of Buford, Texas, his stepson Samuel Allan Waddell and wife Mona of Pittsburg, Texas, his stepdaughter, Karri McNamara and husband Mike of Arlington, Texas, his brother, Melvin Gale and wife Cindy of Durant, Oklahoma, and daughter-in-law, Gayla Gonzales and husband Tim of Littlefield, Texas. Richard is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 2 nieces. Richard also leaves behind the Dairy Queen Coffee Club to carry on.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, William “Bill” Lee Gale and Ollie Thompson Gale as well as his youngest son, Robert Bruce Gale.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 5:00-6:00 pm at Kiker-Seale Funeral Home in Colorado City. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Colorado City with Dr. Jerry Shields officiating.

Pallbearers are Robert Cox, Larry Don Watlington, George Walker, Tom Neff, Fabian Gonzales, and Mike McNamara.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable donations be made to the Boys Ranch, First Baptist Church of Colorado City, or to your favorite charity.

Please leave condolences or memories at www.kikerseale.com.