Gayle Stithem 1938-2015
Gayle H. Stithem, 76, of Hoyt, passed away Friday, May 8, 2015, at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka as a result of a farming accident doing what he loved.
He was born Oct. 7, 1938, in Moline, Ill., the son of Lester LeRoy and Helen Belle (Claycamp) Stithem. He graduated from Hoyt High School in 1956.
Gayle married LaNona Reser in 1957. They raised four children. The couple divorced. He married Jo Dix Sherretts in 1989. She survives of the home. Together their children are Darrel (Julie) Stithem, Randy (Marcia) Stithem and Darrin (Jill) Stithem, all of Hoyt, Terriann (Bill) Baumchen of Emmett, Scarlett (Mike) Sherretts-Risley and Amber (Rick) Bartel, all of Overland Park, and John (Amy) Sherretts of Valley Falls. Gayle is also survived by his 17 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, his sister Sandra Dain of Topeka and his sister-in-law Geri Stithem of Hoyt.
Gayle worked at Goodyear for 37 years before retiring in 1994 to continue working full-time doing what he loved, farming and ranching. He was a member of American Legion Post 400 and Moose Lodge 555. Gayle enjoyed life to the fullest, especially with his family. He also enjoyed traveling, dancing, camping and his many friends.
Family will greet friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Private family graveside services will be held Wednesday in South Cedar Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Gayle’s Life at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 13 at his home in Hoyt.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Topeka Rescue Mission, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
