Ira Keith Gale was born October 19, 1944, in Safford, AZ. He was known by his family and friends as Keith, and he could never be caught in public without his cowboy hat. Keith was a loving and devoted husband, father, and Papa (that’s what all his grandkids called him).
His favorite hobbies were watching westerns featuring his favorite actor, John Wayne, woodworking and crafting in his shop, deer hunting, weekend yard sale shopping, farming, storytelling, and above all else spending time with his family. His family still enjoys homemade rocking horses, grandfather clocks, jewelry boxes, and Christian crosses in their homes.
Keith served in the United States Navy and held many skilled positions over his lifetime including as a heavy equipment operator with Graham County. He helped haul and place the large boulders that still sit in front of the Graham County Courthouse to this day.
Keith will be missed by: his wife, Beverly Gale; sons, Ira Shane and Brian Gale; daughters, Julie Brown and Angelique Farr; 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild.
Keith entered into God’s heavenly kingdom on Saturday, December 28, 2024.
Funeral services for Keith will be conducted Friday, January 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Vining Funeral Home’s “Chapel of the Valley.” Concluding services will follow in the Franklin Cemetery.
Family will receive friends Friday morning, January 17, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m., at the Vining Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
