Irwin Gale Center, of Springfield, Missouri, was born on January 25, 1934, in Pratt, Kansas to George and Mary (nee Toothaker) Center.  He entered into heaven at 9:10 pm this past Monday night, February 22, at Maranatha Village Lodge after an extensive illness.  He was 87 years old at the time of his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, Byron and Marcene Galyen, whom he also unhesitantly called “Mom” and “Dad”, younger brother, Dee Center, a sister-in-law, Donna Galyen and a niece, Kerri Hulen.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon May (nee Galyen) Center, to whom he was married on September 22, 1956 in Siren, Wisconsin.  They were married for more than 64 years.

Their marriage produced three children, all of whom are still living: Melodee Gale Nelson of Cloquet, Minnesota, Todd Samuel Center of Carlton, Minnesota and Shari Michelle Lambert of Cloquet, Minnesota.

Gale has ten grand children: Christa Reeves, Samuel Center, Benjamin Nelson, Jesse Nelson, Daniel Nelson, Matthew Nelson, Johnathon Nelson, Melodee Kristen Center, Africa Lambert and Indigo Lambert.

He also has five great grand children: Sophia Reeves, Liam Reeves, Garrett Reeves, Mercy Center and Kinley Nelson.

In addition, he is survived by two brothers-in-law, Eldon Galyen and Dean Galyen AND one sister-in-law, Pam Campbell.

He is also survived by four nephews: Daniel Galyen, Shawn Galyen, Ryan Galyen  and Lonnie Ray Cambell; and three nieces: Leisa Erickson, Marcee Hess and Tiffanee Hensley.

Gale had a host of friends, the closest of whom called him “Stormy.”  He always disliked his given first name, Irwin, avoiding it whenever possible.

Gale graduated from North Central Bible Institute in Minneapolis, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology in the spring of 1956.

He retired from the United States Postal Service in 2007, with a special certificate of appreciation, having served as a mail handler.

Gale was first licensed to preach with the Wisconsin District of the Assemblies of God in 1959.  He was then ordained in 1961, also in the Wisconsin District of the Assemblies of God.  During his ministry, he pastored in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Utah and Missouri.

He loved anything outdoors, even enjoying his riding lawn mower.  He was an accomplished athlete and marathon runner.  He loved to play chess, at which he was very skilled   . . . as well as many other board games.  He was a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan in football, and a St. Louis Cardinals fan in baseball.

He was often found outside somewhere with his metal detector scanning yards and parks and beaches.  He was also a devoted ham radio operator.

He loved his family intensely and always wanted to ensure that they were all ready to stand before God, having given a good account of their lives to the Lord.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at Grace Assembly of God at 1:00 PM.  The Address is: 500 West Mount Vernon Street, Springfield, Missouri, 65806.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family has requested that any donations be given to: Assemblies of God World Missions, Africa’s Children’s account #0781286, Class 45.  Donations should be sent to that designation at:   1445 North Boonville Avenue, Springfield, Missouri, 65803.