"Yesterday l was working , remembering Gayle and he was smiling as we was talking. I will miss him. Praying for you all that God will help you as you go through this time. Love all "
In loving memory of
Gayle E. Sipes
November 17, 1948 - May 22, 2022
Gayle Sipes
Our family shares with great sadness that on Sunday, May 22, 2022, Gayle E. Sipes, 73, passed away after his decades' long battle with illnesses related to Agent Orange exposure during his time as an Airmen for the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.
Gayle is the proud son of Vern E. and Faye E. (Roberts) Sipes of Canton.
He married Kathleen "Cathi" (Hilliard) on June 15, 1968 in Morton; they were married for 53 years.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Cathi; mother, Faye; two daughters, Kimberly (Martin) Faines of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Karrah (Major Matthew) Martin of Monument, Colorado; one brother, Richard "Rick" (Brenda) Sipes of Groveland, Illinois; and seven grandchildren, Greyson, Hayden and Cooper Owens all of Charlotte, North Carolina and Kathryn, Andrew, Allisyn, and Madelyn Martin all of Monument, Colorado.
Preceding him in death are his father, Vern, and his in-laws, Gwen and Jim Hilliard.
Born in Canton, Gayle was awarded the Eagle Scout by the Boy Scouts of America and was a graduate of Canton Senior High School, Class of 1966. He earned an Associates' degree from Spoon River College and was a member of Sigma Iota Nu Fraternity. Gayle was a Freemason (member of the Schiller Lodge, #0335), a former president of the Society of Industrial Engineers, and a member of the Peoria Transportation Club.
Gayle was most proud of his family, but also his long history of hard work. He started his career at Keystone Steel and Wire in Bartonville and finished at Caterpillar in Morton. An advocate for democracy and voters' rights, he volunteered for decades as an election judge. A dedicated hobbyist and avid collector, he was especially fond of Harley Davison Motorcycles, dirt track racing, his shot glass and watch collections, the ever-struggling Chicago Bears, and anything music and movies.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. Visitation will be held one-hour prior to the funeral at the funeral home. Immediately following the services, military honors will be rendered at White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Greater Peoria Honor Flight, Wounded Warriors Project or to South Eastern Guide Dogs for Veterans. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"Cathi and Family -We are so very loss for your loss. Gayle will be missed by so many. Our class of 1966 has lost a great guy. Rest in peace dear friend. Jim and Marcie Myers"
"\"Precious Child #1\" What a Beautiful Tribute!!! All the Love shining through and through. Hugs Love and God\'s Abundant Blessings upon you All. \"Precious Child #2"
"Gayle and I were class mates ( Cindy Harper). Thank you for your service ! RIP Gayle ! My condolences to all of his family. "
"Dear Cathi and family, So sorry to hear of Gayle\'s passing and pray for blessings on you all. I remember Gayle from Canton High School and college. We were both in Sigma Iota Nu Fraternity. We will keep you all in our prayers. Bill & Colleen Juraco"
"Cathi and family, sending prayers and condolences on your loss. Shirley truly enjoyed her friendship with Gale during their time at Keystone and keeping updated on your family through your Christmas cards later. Cherish all the memories. Jerry Metz"
"Kimberly and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. My condolences to you all. "
"My condolences to the Sipes family David Paul - Scottsdale AZ"
"Rick, I?m so sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. My prayers for you and your family as you grieve the loss of your loved one."
"Faye, saddened to hear of your loss Please know how very sorry we are. Dick & Jacque Werry"
"My thoughts, Prayers and Hugs to all, in this difficult time ! !"
"I am so sadden to hear of Gayle's passing. Cathi "Precious One" please know you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray your precious memories will bring you joy during this time of sorrow. May the God of ALL Comfort meet your every need each and every day. Sharon Anderson"
"My condolences to Cathi and his family. I miss hanging out with him when we worked together at Caterpillar. We had some good times together, he will be missed. "
"My heart hurts for all of you. May God give you peace and comfort in these difficult days. Cling to the good memories of when he was healthy and the good times of love and laughter that you shared. God be with you. love you"
"My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family, May fond memories and Gods loving words found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14 carry you through and beyond this difficult time of mourning. "