L. Gale Carter

Loring “Gale” Carter, 74, of Galesburg, died at 2:40 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2020 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria. Gale was born July 18, 1945 in San Diego, CA the son of S.A. and Elsie Mae (Masque) Carter.  He married Inez Louise Sloan on September 19, 1989 in Delta, OH.  She survives as do two daughters, Diane Carter of San Antonio, TX and Anda Jones of Wilcox, AZ; two step-sons, Robert (Teresa) Sloan of Hampton, TN and Kevin Sloan of Henderson; one step daughter, Kim (Warren Daniels) Gambrell of Toledo, OH; ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  Gale was a long-haul truck driver for over 50 years.  For 20 years, Gale and Inez worked as team drivers.  He spent the last several years as an oversize driver for Combined Transport.  He truly loved being a truck driver.  Gale enjoyed listening to music, working around the house, and reading a good book.  Gale had collected a wide variety of tools over the years.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  He had a great love for animals and enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sporting events.  Gale served in the US Navy from 1964 to 1968 and was a member of the VFW Post 2257. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2020 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory.  Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory.  Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg.  Memorials may be made to the VFW Post 2257, 1001 Michigan Ave., Galesburg, IL 61401.