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Obituary for Gary L. Shadel
Gary L. Shadel of Brookings, Ore., passed away at his home on June 6, 2014, surrounded by his family. He was 80 years old. Gary was born Sept. 8, 1933 in Sabetha, Kan., to Willis and Julia (Burger) Shadel. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1957, where he served as a pilot, and earned the rank of Captain before his honorable discharge in 1960. Gary graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in child psychology from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., then continued his studies for two years in graduate school at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. On Nov. 14, 1969, he married Jean Croley, and together they had two children. Gary worked for the district attorney of Madera County for over 30 years; during the last 25 years of his career, he worked as a director in the Division of Child Support. Gary was a member of the Brethren Church in Kansas; he was also an active member of the Elks Club in Madera, where he was in charge of putting together the Christmas baskets. He also volunteered his time with the Curry County Sheriff’s Department. In his free time, Gary enjoyed fishing, reading, and travelling throughout the U.S. Gary is survived by his wife, Jean; sons Will Shadel of Nev., and Derek Shadel of Nev.; his sister; several nieces and nephews; and his two loyal pets, dog Faith and cat Sam. He is preceded in death by his father, Willis, who passed away in 1976; and his mother, Julia, who passed away in 1995. Redwood Memorial Chapel is assisting the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Coastal Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 493, Gold Beach, OR, 97444.