John Kenneth Gale was born in Charleston, West Virginia on August 11, 1957 to Betty Jo Gale of Beckley, West Virginia whom proceeded him in death and Marshall K. Wade (Eleanor) of Mansfield, Ohio. John was the oldest of three children and better known as Johnny. At a young age John accepted Christ, he later joined Original Harvest Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio where he was a dedicated member for over 20 years. John was a man of Great Faith! He truly trusted God for everything.
John graduated from East Technical High School in 1976. In August 1976 he entered active duty in the U.S. Army. His last rank was PV2. He was honorably discharged in July 1977. He earned several badges such as Sharpshooter Badge M-16 Rifle and Expert Badge Hand Grenade during his time in the military. He was a proud Veteran. During John’s early career, he worked at NASA and Case Western Reserve University amongst many other jobs. He was the “Jack of All Trades”.
John started his long-term career with The United States Postal Service. He was such a dedicated worker and loved what he did that he would recruit others to take the same career path. He retired after 21 years of dedication on November 17, 2003. He loved working as a mail carrier. During his 21 years of service he had many strong bonds of friendship that remained until the day he passed.
In 1985 he welcomed two children in which he cherished, Danielle Gale (Debora Calhoun) and LeJohn Gale (Vivian Collins). John met the love of his life, Linda Clark and they were united in holy matrimony on January 2, 2000. As they blended their families and became one he gained three additional sons: Richard, Ollie, and Timothy. In 2006, they divorced but remained best friends. Not only was John a hardworking man but he also strived for greatness for his children as well. He was such a great role model that three of his five children followed in his career path at The United States Postal Service, one of whom will be retiring soon just like John.
John’s compassion for family was immeasurable. John was a people person, he never met a stranger. Among his many loves he enjoyed music, sports, playing cards (gambling), traveling, and going anywhere he could dress up. He loved plays, comedy shows and other events and was often known as a jokester. But his laugh, now that’s something unforgettable…just LOUD for no reason (lol). John was an avid pet lover, he cherished his fish and dogs. His beloved dogs Midnight, Trouble & Shababa preceded him in death. John loved to eat, but not just anybody cooking. If the food was nasty he would let you know. Every holiday he would drive around to everybody house near and far to get a plate, sometimes bringing strangers. He would make sure nobody was without a meal on holidays.
John was called home to rest in God’s loving arms on March 22, 2024 at Cleveland Clinic Hospital after battling a long illness. John’s greatest legacy was family. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory; His loving father Marshall K. Wade(Eleanor), sisters Kimberly Gale, JoAnn Webb, Kadisha Grant & Malika Wooten(Anthony), brothers David Gale, Muharrum Grant & Muhammad Grant, daughter Danielle Gale, sons LeJohn Gale, Richard Clark (Shamika), Ollie Clark, & Timothy Clark, 9 grandchildren; Jaydavonte, Jayshawn, Sincere, Jayden, SirJohn, Jayon, Richard Jr., Constante and Ahmad 3 great grandchildren: Josiah, Amir and Jayce aunts; Alice Farmer & Roberta Borders, nieces; Kenya Williams and Candace Gale, best friend Linda Clark and beloved dog; Boscoe. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.