HOYT-Gayle H. Stithem, 76, of Hoyt passed away Friday, May 8, 2015 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka as a result of a farming accident doing what he loved.

          He was born October 7, 1938 in Moline, Illinois, the son of Lester LeRoy and Helen Belle (Claycamp) Stithem.  He graduated from Hoyt High School in 1956.  Gayle married LaNona Reser in 1957. They raised four children. The couple divorced.  He married Jo Dix Sherretts in 1989.  She survives of the home. Together their children are, Darrel (Julie) Stithem, Randy (Marcia) Stithem and Darrin (Jill) Stithem all of Hoyt, KS, Terriann (Bill) Baumchen of Emmett, KS, Scarlett (Mike) Sherretts-Risley and Amber (Rick) Bartel all of Overland Park, KS and John (Amy) Sherretts of Valley Falls, KS.  Gayle is also survived by his 17 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, his sister Sandra Dain of Topeka, KS and his sister-in-law Geri Stithem of Hoyt, KS.

          Gayle worked at Goodyear for 37 years before retiring in 1994 to continue working full time doing what he loved, farming and ranching. He was a member of American Legion Post #400 and Moose Lodge #555. Gayle enjoyed life to the fullest especially with his family.  He also enjoyed traveling, dancing, camping and his many friends.