Obituaries

Wilmer L. Gale

November 24th, 1932 – June 15th, 2026

Wilmer Lee Gale, age 93, of Astoria, Illinois, passed away on June 15, 2026. He was born on November 24, 1932, in a partially log-cabin house west of Astoria that he later helped build, to Mylo and Wanda (Prather) Gale.

Wilmer dearly loved his family and is survived by his trophy wife, Linda Westlake Gale, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. They were married on March 19, 1963, in Pocahontas, Arkansas. He is also survived by two children - one wonderful and one so-so - Lori Lee (Tim) Wendt and Robert “Snap” Preston Gale ; his grandson, Dylan “Little Snap” (Madison) Gale; two great-grandsons, Hawthorne “Hawk” Meilike and Finnegan Gale; and his great-granddaughter, Adalai Goins. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews; too many to mention, and some of whom may not want the notoriety.

Wilmer was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Bette (Ghlee) Calhoun; and his granddaughter, Sarah “Bug” Meilike.

Wilmer was hardworking, lived a colorful life, and possessed a great sense of humor. He enjoyed shooting guns, fishing, cutting wood, and riding Harleys. He also had a soft spot for animals, until he didn’t.

He landed his first job at age 13, helping out in an auto repair shop, and later went to work at Curly’s Auto Repair. He spent many years at Skiles Fertilizer before opening his own garage in 1979. Wilmer possessed exceptional mechanical and fabrication skills. Some people claimed he could diagnose a car simply by laying a hand on it.

However, Wilmer was best known for drag racing and making big-block Chevys scream. He built a drag car called True Grit from a 1967 Camaro and became famous throughout the Midwest. He won numerous races and wheelie contests, earning a large and loyal fan base. In 2019, Central Illinois Dragway honored him as Grand Marshal during its 50th Anniversary Celebration, where he made a pass in True Grit at the age of 86.

Wilmer was a hard man to love, but we loved him anyway. . .

Services will be held at 11 am on Friday, June 19, 2026 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. His children will be present for a visitation at the funeral home from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, June 18, 2026. A visitation hour will also be held with the entire family present from 10 to 11 am before the service on June 19th. Interment will be in the Astoria Cemetery. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Astoria Volunteer Fire Department, 101 E. State St., Astoria, IL 61501.

Condolences

June 16th, 2026

Wilmer was just Wilmer. I worked with him taking care of the buses at school. He would tell me what to order and I did it. No questions asked. Nancy Carithers

June 16th, 2026

So sorry for your family's loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Jim and Deb Park

June 16th, 2026

Very sad to hear of Wilmers passing Dad loved Wilmer.our deepest condolences. Tammy Parry Baldry

June 16th, 2026

So sorry for your loss. His obituary is spot on. Kathy Klinedinst

June 16th, 2026

So sorry for your loss. I worked with him at Skiles. Great man. Gary & Sheila Sloter

June 16th, 2026

I always said if wilmer couldnt fix it u might as well park it out in the apple orchard.a great man!

June 16th, 2026

I always said if wilmer couldnt fix it u might as well park it out in the apple orchard.a great man!

June 16th, 2026

Larry shaw

June 16th, 2026

I always hoped to see Wilmer and True Grit at Havana when we'd come from Iowa to race with the Super Shifters. RIP to a legend.

June 16th, 2026

So very sorry to learn of Wilmer’s passing. He was a legend both on and off the track! Oh…the stories that involved my Dad, Wilmer and “Uncle” Dick and Bill Lyons…!
They will all be together again now, swapping stories, engines & motorcycles!!
Hold tight to the memories and stories.
Much love,
DeeVon Mummert-Schisler

June 16th, 2026

Wilmer was legend. He might have been a tad ornery. No one was smarter about cars than he was. He had the magic touch. He knew Linda was the boss, right Linda. Two peas in a pod. Thanks for letting Linda, Ellen and I to have a long lasting friendship. We will miss you big time. JoEllen Myers Spencer and Ronnie Spencer

June 16th, 2026

So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Alan and Georgiana Clemens

June 16th, 2026

So sorry for your loss. He was a legend for sure. Obituary tells it all.You're all in our thoughts and prayers. Daniel and Becky Hamm

June 16th, 2026

I’m so very sorry for your loss 🙏
Jody Dean

June 16th, 2026

So sorry for ur loss he always let me know when true grit was going to be at the track with a huge smile on his face he knew that was my favorite car he was a sweet man god bless wandalogan

June 16th, 2026

Sorry for your loss

June 16th, 2026

Sorry for your loss,,Ronnie & Marylou Houston

June 16th, 2026

I am so sorry for your loss. My best days at work was when I got to sit and chat with Wilmer at Curlys. He will be missed

June 16th, 2026

So very sorry for your family’s loss. Roberta Oest

June 17th, 2026

So very sorry for your loss.
Steve & Pam Butler

June 17th, 2026

Thinking of you all.
So sorry for your loss.
Wow the stories we all can share about Wilmer could fill a book or two. He was one of a kind.
Gary & Bev Malott Taylor

June 17th, 2026

So sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Paul and Carol Stambaugh

June 17th, 2026

Sorry to hear about this. Thinking of your family at the loss of your husband and father. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
-Brian Pollitt and the Pollitt family

June 17th, 2026

My heart. I will always remember little me loving when Wilmer was across the road. Or seeing him with my dad at the station, id get candy and or popcorn. I feel so bad that Jocie never got to meet you. Life really is just so busy. I will always remember and love you Wilmer. Praying for everyone at this time.

June 17th, 2026

It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of our friend Wilmer. My brother and I send our condolences to Wilmers family. Steve and Tony Slinker.

June 17th, 2026

So sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Marsha stambaugh

June 17th, 2026

Loved him so much, a true and great friend. Lots of stories and good times with Wilmer and Linda out at the farm. I will never forget the day he "spanked" Heather for running across the road and then telling me because he thought I would be mad. He will be missed. Prayers are being sent for the entire family. Cheryl (Robertson) Shanks

June 17th, 2026

So sorry for your loss prayers to the family he will be missed I used to sell Wilmer a lot of GM parts over the years RIP Bob Grisham

June 17th, 2026

So sorry for your loss.

June 18th, 2026

So sorry for your loss. Tommy and Pam Trone

June 18th, 2026

Sorry for your loss Darrell and Debby Pierce

June 18th, 2026

How do explain a man that was a true legend in so many ways. I remember him when I was a child, he worked with my grandpa at Skiles Fertilizer. He was such a great influence for Todd at Curly's. Todd loved him dearly. He and The Dolly bonded at Curly's when she was little, he would called her Petunee, and would eat the nuts off her drumsticks for her. He was integrated into our family for many years and we will miss him terribly. All our love to Linda and the kids. I'm sure Todd is talking his ear off! What a loss to those who knew him. Rest easy sweet man.

June 18th, 2026

So sorry for your loss of a great man. We extend our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers for Linda, Robert, Lori, Dylan, and the entire family. Gary & Cheryl Matteson & Family

June 18th, 2026

Sorry for your loss. Michael and Susan holmes

June 19th, 2026

Linda , Robert, Lori and all your family and friends, .y deepest sympathy.Linda L Windsor