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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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REV. DONALD GAIL
THE REV. DONALD EUGENE GAIL
Cedar Rapids
The Rev. Donald Eugene Gail, 80, of Gallatin, Tenn., passed from this life on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, with his family by his side
to see him off as he went
back home.
Don (Donnie) was born Oct. 16, 1937, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to the Rev. Neal Gail and the Rev. Marcella Gail. His formative years were spent in Iowa. He graduated from Wilson High School in Cedar Rapids in 1954, where he participated in pole vault, basketball and football. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and received training to become an air traffic controller. Don then worked in Illinois, California and Arizona. As much as he enjoyed being a controller, God had other plans for Don. He attended Olivet Bible College which led to him being ordained by the Pentecostal Holiness and Open Bible Standard churches. (Everyone called him Pastor Don from Tucson.) His time in ministry covered more than 30 years and resulted in many souls making decisions to make Jesus Christ Lord of their lives. Don was well versed in Scripture and was able to quote much of the Bible from memory. His favorite messages centered on the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
In 1983, Don married Sandra Kay (Floyd) Wilson. They were happily married 21 years when God called Sandy home.
Don was very active and enjoyed skiing, tennis, camping, long scenic drives and working on cars.
Don was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sandy; and his parents, the Rev. Neal and the Rev. Marcella Gail.
Donnie is survived by his children, Jodi (Wylie) Garland of Clay City, Ky., Melissa (Ty) McGary of Tucson, Ariz., and Ondria (James) Stevenson of Hendersonville, Tenn.; his siblings, Sharon (Fred) Korsmo of Cedar Rapids, Kay (the Rev. Sonny) Friis of Cedar Rapids, the Rev. Rick Gail of Cedar Rapids, the Rev. Kenny (Susan) Gail of Cedar Rapids and Marita (Steve) Okonek of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Linda Bentley, Davy Razinah, Christy Razinah, Jeremy Gail, Yvette Rohkhol and Michael Stevenson; great-grandchildren, Savannah, Austin and Jessica Bentley and Dominic Hernandez; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at First Church of the Open Bible, 1911 E Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, with a celebration of his life beginning at 4 p.m.
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