Lonnie Gale Free

Lonnie Gale Free, 61, of Catlin Il, died June 29, 2018. Gale was born Aug. 17, 1956 to Dennie Ray Free and Murriel (Hunt) Free in Madisonville, Ky. Gale grew up in Penrod, Ky where he was a sports star and friend to many. He married the love of his life and best friend, Mary (Prather) Free in 1982. Gale endlessly teased Mary, but his main goal was to always make her happy. They had a busy, whirlwind life that was centered around their five children, Nick (Natalie), Eric (Kendra), Katy (Jordan), Jeni, and Kari (David) and his special daughter Jessie Brito. He considered his children his greatest accomplishment and if you sat next to him long enough he'd tell all of their life stories and how proud he was of them. The two other loves of his life were his grandchildren, Karley Sue and Lucas Adrian Free. Teaching them and parading them around Catlin was his favorite activity. They were the center of his world. Gale was an avid sports fan. Kentucky basketball being his favorite, and you rarely saw him without a Kentucky hat on. He was a member of the Danville YMCA and you could find him there sometimes twice a day when he wasn't traveling. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. His five loving siblings, Wayne (Peggy), Johnny, Brian (Debbie), Faye Musselman, and Lisa (Joe) Farley. His many nieces and nephews that he loved and cared for deeply. Gale worked for CSX for 32 years before leaving his position as a Roadmaster and accepting his dream position at the FRA as a Rail Integrity Specialist. He loved flashing his government badge to friends and family and then telling them all about his recent railroad travels. Gale had an ability to make anyone he talked to "feel at home" and at comfort to share what was on their mind. He loved chatting with anyone that would stop and talk. He will be remembered because of his compassion for all, his passion for life, love of Kentucky basketball, and his smiling eyes. Visitation is to be held Thursday, July 5th from 4-7pm at Sunset Funeral Home 3940 N. Vermilion. The family asks that everyone please wear Gale's favorite color, Kentucky blue. Services will be held Friday, July 6th at 11am and graveside service to follow at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, Il. Gale will be missed and remembered by his many friends, coworkers, and family. He truly did not know what a stranger was. Any donations can be made in his honor to American Cancer Society to honor his brother, sister, and father who are battling or have battled cancer. Or the donation of the gift of life by signing up to be an organ donor to help save lives after life like Gale did. Please join Gale's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Visitation Jul 5, 2018 Thursday, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion st Danville, Il 61834 Service Jul 6, 2018 Friday, 11:00 AM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion st Danville, Il 61834 Final Resting Place Floral Hill Cemetery Hoopeston, IL