William “Gayle” McWhirt, 71, passed away March 7, 2012, at Newton Medical Center. He was born Sept. 1, 1940, in Lyons, the son of W.T. and Faye Ahrens McWhirt.

He graduated from Russell High School in 1959. He had been an over-the-road trucker for Binning Trucking for many years.

In 1962, he was married to Shirley Ann Brack, to this former union his children were born.

He was preceded by his parents and a daughter-in-law, Debbie McWhirt.

He is lovingly survived by his children: Don McWhirt of Bunker Hill; Raelene “Rae” Heitschmidt and husband Todd of Marion; and David McWhirt of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a sister Mary Kemerling and husband Jerry of Bartlesville, Okla.; grandchildren: Tim Garth, Ashley Garth, Chelsea McWhirt; and Samantha Haymon and her daughter Aubrey.

Funeral service was Monday, March 12, 2012, at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lincolnville. The committal service will be held at 3 p.m. at Robbins Cemetery in Coffeyville.

Memorial funds have been established for the American Heart Association or the Marion County Spay and Neuter Program (SNYP), in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm St, Marion, KS, 66861.