Loyd Gale Whitmire

Loyd Gale Whitmire, 83, of Colcord, OK passed from this life, at his home on March 24, 2026.

Gale was born to Paul Whitmire and Gona Grubb Whitmire on December 1, 1942, in Siloam Springs, AR. Gale was a 1960 graduate of Colcord High School. After graduation, he dug ditches for Vern Apperson, leaving soon after that for the wheat harvest. Gale married Linda Pittman on August 7, 1964, in Jay, OK. He enlisted in the Arkansas National Guard and also painted water towers. Gale began working in manufacturing industry as a welder for Citation in Siloam. He then worked as plant manager at Delco. In 1980, with his dad and brothers, Gale helped to found Whitco Incorporated, where high pressure washers and steam cleaners were manufactured and distributed worldwide for over 25 years.

After retirement, Gale found himself busier than ever. He enjoyed working cattle on his farm, travelling, snow skiing, going to auctions, and anything adventurous. Above all, he enjoyed helping others, fixing anything that was brought to him, or building something that began as an idea. He was hardworking, industrious, patient, fair, witty and a humble servant of God. He loved to tell a good story!

Gale was a faithful member of the Mosley Regular United Baptist Church and always ready to testify of his Savior, Jesus Christ. Here, he filled the position of deacon after the passing of his own Grandad Whit. He also helped in the construction of the new sanctuary in 2009. He was proud that some family still attend this church up to the 4th and 5th generation.

He designed, built and accomplished many things in his life, but his most cherished treasures were the relationships with his wife, family and friends, and the love and good times they shared.

Gale was preceded in death by his mom and dad, brother Dwayne Whitmire, and sister Sue Chamberlain.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Linda Whitmire of the home, daughter Lori Sherrell and husband Mark, daughter Sandra Shackelford and husband Brian, son Darell Whitmire and wife Sonya, all of Colcord, OK; 10 Grandchildren Matthew Shackelford and wife Kristin, Luke Sherrell and wife Adriana (Susy), Canaan Sherrell and wife Payton, Stephen Copeland, Tyler Ingram, Kaylin Ray and husband Jayden, Dalton Shackelford, Sawyer Sherrell and wife Addisyn, Lundin Whitmire, and Brooklin Whitmire; 6 Great-grandchildren Tuesday Copeland, Henslee Sherrell, Pryor Sherrell, Adeline Shackelford, Weston Shackelford, and Calen Sherrell; 2 Brothers Ken Whitmire of Colcord, OK, and Steve Whitmire and wife Gwen, also of Colcord, OK plus a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 Friday, March 27, 2026, at Backstrom Pyeatte Funeral Home in Siloam Springs. Burial will be at Johnson Cemetery

Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Siloam Springs, AR is honored and privileged to be handling all final arrangements. To sign the online guestbook, order memorial trees or send flowers to the family, please visit www.backstrom-pyeatte.com