Gale W. Harper, 82, of Evansville, IN passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at St. Vincent Hospital. He was born on February 6, 1943, in Arkansas City, Kansas to the late William N. and Grace B. (Miller) Harper.
He was a proud U.S. Army veteran who served as a Combat Engineer, completing a tour of duty in Vietnam attached to the 101st Airborne Division and the Army Air Cavalry. He was also a member of VFW Post 1114. Following his military service, he lived out his faith and call to ministry serving through church planting, missions opportunities and as a pastor for 35 years through the Southern Baptist Convention. During his ministry, he served churches throughout Oklahoma, Illinois, and Indiana, before retiring from the ministry near his family in Evansville, Indiana. In his personal life, he enjoyed baseball, popcorn, embroidery, spending time with family, reading and studying his Bible. He was a dear husband, father, grandpa, mentor, friend and shared his faith with others.
Gale was preceded in death by his son, David Wayne Harper; brother, William “Billy” Harper; and sisters, Margaret Weston and Deloris Peters.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Karyl I. (Baker) Harper; daughter, Karyl “Lynn” Deckard (Mark); grandchildren, Eric Deckard (Sarah), Amy Murry (Mark), Daniel Harper, Katie Deckard (Brad Lamb), Miranda Harper; great-grandchildren, Zach, Gavin, Kyle Wayne, Isabelle, Harrison, Caleb, and Christopher; and nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Alexander Memorial Park – Heritage Chapel, 2200 Mesker Park Dr., Evansville, IN 47720 with Dr. Bobby Pell and Dr. Arthur Christmas officiating. Burial will follow at Alexander Memorial Park with graveside military rites to be conducted at 11:45 a.m. by the Vanderburgh County Retired Veterans Memorial Club.
Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, www.help.dav.org.
Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.
