Gayle McAlister, 82, loving husband, father, and grandfather, of Marion, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023, surrounded by his family. Gayle was born on August 29, 1940, in Georgetown, Kentucky, and was the son of Allphin Winfield McAlister and Louise Chinn Melvin (Giles).
Gayle grew up in Muncie, Indiana, and graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1959. He lived in Fishers and Indianapolis and retired as a mailer with the Indianapolis Star. Gayle was an avid college basketball fan and loved rooting for the Kentucky Wildcats, fishing, gardening, and spending time outdoors.
Gayle was an active member of Born Church in Marion. He was a proud former member of the Lions Club and an active member of the Mississinewa Valley Corvette Club. Through the Corvette Club, Gayle volunteered his time with Mississinewa 1812 and Mecum Auctions.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Allphin “Junior” Winfield McAlister, Jr., Richard Wayne McAlister, and Kenneth Earl Melvin.
He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Marlaina McAlister of Marion; his children, David McAlister of New Castle, Debra (Patrick) Heffernan of Zionsville, Eric (Olga Toggas) Wright of Surfside Beach, SC, and Chad Wright of Myrtle Beach, SC; and siblings, Patrick (Risa Jones) McAlister of Mt. Summit, Michael (Michelle) McAlister of Mt. Summit, and Mary (Bob) Rose of Anderson. Gayle was loved and adored by his eight grandchildren, Jack, Clay, Sam, Quinn, Brittany, Gabby, Evan, and Athan, and great-grandchild, Saylor Mae.
The family will receive visitors from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Gayle’s life will begin at 3:00 pm. Pastor Chuck Vernon will be officiating with burial taking place at Gardens of Memory in Marion.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Vettes-4-Vets (http://www.vettes4vets.org/online-contributions) and/or Born Church (https://www.born.church).
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Gayle, please visit our floral store.