SFC Gale David Allen, USA Ret., 78, of Dunedin, FL passed away on Friday, December 26, 2014. Served 8-’53 thru 11-’73; Three tours in Vietnam; Executive Chef; 82nd Airborne Paratrooper; and Avionics Crew Chief. During his time in the Army he received six Good Conduct Medals, two Gallantry Cross awards with Palms along with his Vietnam Service Medal. The Cross of Gallantry is awarded to recognize deeds of valor or heroic conduct while in contact with the enemy.
Born in Galesburg, IL, he was the son of the late, Gale Charles and Opal Maxine Allen. Gale was a member of the American Legion Post #238; VFW Post #10093, both of Safety Harbor, FL; DAV Post #103, Dunedin; and the 82nd Airborne Association. He loved swimming, riding motorcycles, and fishing. He was an avid reader, loved current events, history, and country music. He was a Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many.
Gale was preceded in death by his grandson, Keith William Wallace and brother, Gary Dean Allen.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Cheryl; two daughters, Renee Bartolo of Minot, ND and Dawn (Chris) Redin of Sarasota, FL; five grandchildren: Patrick Allen (USAF) stationed in Italy, Nicole Wallace (Anthony Stapleton) of Gainesville, FL, Elizabeth Redin of Sarasota, Shauna (Andy) Hirko, and Joshua Bartolo, both of Myrtle Beach, SC; five great grandchildren: Connor Keith Stapleton, Don, Addison, John Michael, and Andy; and loving sister, Marlene (Don) Vershay of Joliet, IL.
Interment will be private at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
He will be missed.
MISS ME BUT LET ME GO When I come to the end of my road, And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room, Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not too long, And not with your head bowed low, remember the love that once we shared, Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take, And each must go alone. It’s all a part of the Master’s plan, A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, Go to the friends we know. And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, Miss me, but let me go.
To my wonderful husband,I will LOVE and MISS you forever and ever. Love Ya, C
Daddy, Were all so proud of you and your accomplishments. We all will miss you so much. There wasn’t enough time but I know your in heaven and you are no longer suffering. Your an angel now watch over mom and everyone and keep them safe. Love you daddy. Your deff the meaning of a hero❤love lil pumpkin
Grandpa,
I want to thank you for always pushing me to go above and beyond in my life, loving me even when I did naughty things (ya right) and being an amazing grandfather to me! We may of butted heads but I know it was because we were both stubborn and you only wanted what was best for me but in the end, you won (don’t tell anyone I said that)! I am proud to be your granddaughter and will miss you until my last breath. Enjoy heaven, I know its a great place! Hug my bubby for me too! I will see you again someday, soon enough.
Love always and forever,
Nicole Jo
Dave,
Although I only meant you once, I know you were a great man and treated everyone kindly. May you rest in paradise (RIP) and watch over your loved ones. I promise to help Cheryl as much as I can!
Love,
Anthony Stapleton
Great Grandpa,
I may only be 16 months old but I have seen your face several times and have pictures with you for when I get older. I am sorry I didn’t get to fully know you but I love you.
Love,
Connor Keith Stapleton
We miss and love you grandpa!
@i will really miss our sunday morning weather report. i still expect the phone to ring and there you are telling me how warm it is in florida. i kept asking you to come up here but you said it is to cold.. i miss you and will always love you forever
MY DADDY…I MISS YOU..I LOVE YOU..I WILLCARRY YOU IN. MY HEART ALWAYS ..THANK YOU FOR. MY MOM AND MY SISTER..I REMEBER WHEN YOU USE TO PUT ME ON YOUR FOLDED LEGS AND.SPIN ME AROUND AND AROUND YOU. SERVED OUR COUNTRY GOOD FATHER AND A GOOD HUSBAND..THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUVE DONE FOR ALL OF US…OH THANKS FOR THROWING ME IN THE WATER TO SINK OR SWIM…I SWIM GREAT..I LOVE YOU. DADDY…YOUR BABY GIRL..
Dave
From your Family and Friends,You will be Missed.
Aunt Guy Small&Ronda,Marty,Crystal,Mitch,Aunt Nancy,Lil Billy Raymond,Daymond.Rodney Jordan,Aunt Betty&Larry Decker,Uncle George, Uncle Bob&Pattie, Uncle Ron&Judy, Uncle Arthur Weightman.and Jimmy&Jeff Sneed.
Dave, “My Brother”, I have known you since I was 9 years old. I remember the day you married my sister, in my Grandmothers living room. We have been through many ups and downs thru the years, good and bad. You were the closest man to a Father I ever had in my life. You taught me how to respect and how to act like a man, and took me in when, I had had no when I had no where else to turn, you paid for my schooling and many other things that made me who I am today, most of all, I want to thank you for taking care of the closest person to me in my life, my Sister. Thank you for keeping her safe and Loving her as much as you did. I will keep
my promise to you and do all I can to take care of her. We will all Love and Miss you Forever.
Dear Cheryl—This is Jan.7th–and did not know til today that Dave had died. We are so sad and send our sympathy.We have missed you both at the Legion and hope you will come again some Wednesday. Connie and Joe Murray
I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I want to extend my sympathy to Cheryl and all of his family as I know he will be missed. He was a “take charge” kind of guy … never putting off until tomorrow what needed to be done today. I have many fond memories of Dave and Cheryl. You were both a great help to me when I was very young and trying to find my way in the world. I will pray for your family as this trying time. Thanks for everything. Much love, Helen Shown.
I will miss you Dave.
You were my inspiration to go in the army, and what it means to give respect, thank you always have find memories . You will be missed.
Roy
Cheryl, we are deeply saddened by the news of Dave’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Praying that all of your memories will help you find peace. I want you to know, friends who love you, surround you. Love you, Jan & Mike
Dave (and surviving wife Cheryl) was a wonderful neighbor and friend of myself and my mom for 37 years. The friendship he and my mom shared was very cherished. From sending us his consumer reports magazines to calling about the latest homeowners insurance changes , Dave and my mom shared information to help each other. He was a kind man always willing to help. We already miss him dearly. Ginger and Juanita Mills
Dad,first I am internally grateful for being a part of your life and your family’s. And I only hope that I can live up to the high expectations and standards you have lived by. You have touched so many people and you inspired so many lives.I will forever cherish the time I have gotten to spend with you and only wished that we could have continued our journey together. God rest, God bless dad. Give Keith a big hug from us. Love you!!!!!!
P.s dad I promise to do my best to keep your daughter in line for you! Lol god rest god bless
-Chris
My condolences to you and your family. Paul Nardi
Dad,first I am eternally grateful for being a part of your life and your family’s. And I only hope that I can live up to the high expectations and standards you have lived by. You have touched so many people and you have inspired so many lives.I will forever cherish the time I have gotten to spend with you and only wish we could have had more time. We love you dad give Keith’s big hug from all of us
Knew him for a very short time, like I knew most people in my life. Just to read that he was a good man, husband and father. Spoke to him as well, but never knew what was in his heart as a man, soldier or father. The day I left I shook his hand and give him a hug. I’ll call him Gale for now, but in a past that was forgiven rest in peace the man I once called “Dad”.