Gale E. Whitesel, 82, of Grafton passed away Tuesday August 28, 2012 at the New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph in Lorain following a long illness. He was born October 24, 1929 in Normantown, WV. And was a Grafton resident for most of his life. Gale worked as a machine operator at the Abex Corporation in Elyria for 36 years, retiring in 1992. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Carolyn "Kay" (nee-Kennedy); daughter, Pam Massey of Wakeman; son, Todd (Joanne) Whitesel of Grafton; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; sisters, June Reaser, Mavia Alltop, Nelda Stout, and Carolyn Reedy all of Grafton; brother, Basil Whitesel of Grafton. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Francis and Adren Whitesel. The family will receive friends Thursday 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria. Services will be Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home. The Rev. Mike Smith will Officiate. Burial will be at Nesbett Cemetery, Grafton Twp. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society 10501 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH. 44106. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com Service: 10:00 AM Friday August 31, 2012 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH. Visitation: 4:00 - 7:00 PM Thursday August 30, 2012 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH.