Gale R. Compton, 86, of Van Wert, passed away at 4:05 p.m., Tuesday at the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center. He was born on October 7, 1926, in Haviland, the son of the late Roscoe and Ethel Irene (Reid) Compton. On April 14, 1945, he married for former Vernabel Louise Murphy who preceded him in death on February 4, 2008. Also preceding in death are a brother, Dale R. Compton and sister, Phyllis Compton. Family survivors include his daughter, Jacqueline Sherer of Van Wert; two sons, Randall (Patricia) Compton and Ronald (Eve) Compton all of St. Marys; five grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Compton had worked for Montgomery Ward and as a deputy for the Van Wert County Sheriff's Department. He then served as a trooper for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, having been posted at Wauseon, Defiance, St. Marys and Ashtabula. During his service, he was awarded the Carnegie Medal for heroism and O.W. Merill Award for Valor - the highest award offered by the OSHP. Following his retirement, he did photography for Michael Photography in Lima and served as Safety Director for Tajon Trucking in Mercer, PA. Gale was a 1944 graduate of Haviland-Scott High School and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Van Wert. He was also a 50-year member of Mercer Lodge 121, F. & A.M., St. Marys; member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Dayton; V.F.W. Post 5803, Van Wert; and the Van Wert Elks Lodge #1197. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2013, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home with Rev. Gus Christo-Baker and Rev. Paul W. Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Ridge Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Calling hours are Friday 2 - 6 p.m. Preferred memorials are to the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.