Louis “Gale” Whitlatch

Louis Gailen “Gale” Whitlatch, 82, of Crooksville went home to be with the Lord on August 29, 2026, in Zanesville.

Gale was born in Zanesville on January 18, 1944, to the late Elmer and Anna Mae Pollock Whitlatch. At the tender age of 11, Gale’s father passed away and he took over the role of man of the house. He worked very hard mowing lawns and shoveling snow all around the town. He gave his earnings to his mother to pay the bills and buy groceries. He was a very strong and loving young man, who grew up to be a very strong and loving adult. He worked various jobs in the area performing mechanics and maintenance tasks. He was taken under the wing of a dear friend and neighbor, Bob Gray, who taught him all about auto and small engine repairs. He could just listen to a car and tell you what was wrong with it, even over the phone! After marrying his high school sweetheart, Jane, they had two children, Lisa and Dwight. They were his everything. He was always there for them. He accepted the position of head maintenance for Perry County Metropolitan Housing Authority, from which he retired. He continued to serve on the board for the Perry County Metropolitan Housing Authority for over 30 years. He worked very hard to raise his family. Even up until his illness, he continued to help others with small repairs, as he was able. He had a heart of gold and would help anyone.

Gale was a lifelong resident of Crooksville where he attended the Anchor Church. He was ornery and a jokester and is leaving us with many happy memories. He served our country and protected our freedom in The United States Army.

In May of this year, our dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He never gave up and fought the battle with everything in him. We are so proud of him for being so brave and courageous. He had so much faith in God in all situations. 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

Thank you Dad for instilling that in all of us, as well! We love you more than you could ever imagine.

He is survived by a son Dwight Gale (Kim) Whitlatch; a daughter Lisa Jane (Dale) Stalling; mother of his children and friend Edith “Jane” McDonald; grandchildren: Nathaniel Stalling, Justin (Cassie) Whitlatch, Brad (Kate) Whitlatch, Tate Evans and Kelli (Michael) Bevard; great-grandchildren: Ebony Stalling, Nathalie Stalling, Trayleigh Whitlatch (aka Jabber Jaws), Kallie Whitlatch, Kyson Whitlatch, Huxson Evans, Hunter Evans and Connor Bevard; best friend Gary Woodward; his dog Zoe Girl; numerous nieces and nephews; the whole gang at Luncheon Muncheon and Peach’s Place; and his bonus family, The Stalling’s, who he spent every holiday, cookout and numerous birthday gatherings with.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his half siblings: Blanche (Kip) Click-Thomas, Avenell (Warden) Click-Mauller, Douglas (Evelyn) Click, Arthur (Garnet) Click and Walter (Margaret) Click; maternal grandparents: Anthony and Ida Clark Pollock; paternal grandparents: Thomas and Elizabeth Fleming Whitlatch; and his dog Buddy Boy.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8PM Wednesday, September 2, at THE SNOUFFER FUNERAL HOME 1150 WEST MILITARY ROAD ZANESVILLE. Funeral service will be held at 10AM, Thursday, September 3, in The Snouffer Chapel with Pastor Tony Richard officiating. Burial will follow in Crooksville Cemetery.

To send a note of condolence to the family visit www.snoufferfuneralhome.com, find us on facebook, or call our caring Locally Owned staff at 740-450-8000.