Gayle Colley

Godfrey:

Gayle Colley, 68, passed away at 1:05am on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Barnes – Jewish Hospital with his family by his side. He was born on October 27, 1956, in Princeton, Kentucky, the son of the late Joe Hoy and Mary Anna (Grubbs) Colley. He married the former Dawn Patterson on August 2, 2002, and she survives. Other survivors include his children: Danielle and Nick West, Derrick and Brittney Schaaf, Casey Colley, Jeralyn Colley, Crystie Su, Bryan and Stephanie Colley, Mike and Franny Colley, Mike and Brianne Colley, his grandchildren: Levi, Letti, Josiah, Krue, Gabe, Cody, Joey, Erin, Jaselle, Jasmine, Nicholas, Keegan, two great granddaughters Stella and Oaklee, a brother: Philip Davis, his Colley cousins, best friends Jim, Rich, Randy, Keith, his father in law and mother in law: George and Karin Bednar, and many other extended family and friends.

Gayle was a truck driver at Messer Gases for Life where he drove over three million miles and dedicated 38 years of service. His work was not just a job; it was a part of his life that he found enjoyable and was passionate about and if it were up to him, he would have continued the journey. He served honorably in The United States Marine Corps. He was one of the original members of the Dream Weavers Motorcycle Club. Even though he no longer rode with the club, riding his Harley was one of his favorite things to do. He was very active in AA where he was a mentor and a leader.

He took pride in the life he built alongside his wife. He enjoyed morning coffee overlooking his pond, deer hunting with his son Derrick, talking about hot rods with his son in law Nick, boating, and spending time with “Pop’s best buddies” Levi and Letti. Gayle always provided a listening ear and helping hand. He was one of a kind and was everyone’s “Pop”.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter: Dreya Colley, two sisters: Pam and Zandra Colley and best friends, Mike, Pat, and Dave.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 1pm until time of memorial services at 4pm on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Private burial with military honors will be at a later date at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.

Memorials are suggested to Darts for Kids and will be accepted at the funeral home.