(July 15, 1930 – November 13, 2013)
Gayle McClain Aldred left this earthly life on November 13, 2013 surrounded by family and friends. He was born July 15, 1930 in Mapleton, Utah to James and Ann Aldred. After graduation from Springville High School, he enlisted in the Navy and served as an electrician on a ship in the Korean War from 1949 until 1951. Upon returning home, he met and married Mary Ellen Mendenhall on April 4, 1953. Their marriage was later solemnized on April 8, 1988 in the St. George LDS Temple. As newlyweds, they both traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada with Mary’s father where Ideal Asphalt was formed and where Gayle eventually became Vice President.
While in Las Vegas, six children were born to Gayle and Mary. A daughter, Debra, and five sons: Michael , Gregory, Donald, Brian and John. Gayle eventually moved to Southern Utah in 1972, first to Cedar City, and then shortly after to St. George where he became involved with Western Rock Products. He became a manager and remained there for nine years until the opportunity became available for him to start his own company, G.M. Aldred and Sons. Working with his sons in the asphalt business, he developed many business relationships and friends throughout the early development of St. George and the surrounding area.
Gayle also served on the board of directors at Sun Capital Bank and SunFirst Bank. He was encouraged to run for the position of County Commissioner in 1987 and was elected to that position. Serving from 1988 until 2002, he was instrumental in the development of several projects that have benefitted the community: The Washington County Fairgrounds, The Dixie Center, Enhanced 911, and many, many more. He had a great love for seniors and was instrumental in the creation of the new Senior Center which is named after Gayle and Mary.
Gayle loved horses and he and Mary loved their ranch property in Enterprise, Utah where time was spent with their family.
Gayle was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ann Aldred; his wife, Mary Ellen; and two sons, Brian Cornell and Donald James. He is survived by his daughter, Debra Dunn; sons: Michael Gayle, Gregory M. (Carol), and John Gordon (Sherri); 27 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren. Gayle leaves a great legacy for us all to build upon and will be missed dearly.
Funeral Services
- Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the St. George LDS Stake Center, 591 West 500 North, St. George, Utah.
- Visitations will be held Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd. and on Wednesday at the Stake Center, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., prior to services.
- Interment will be at the St. George City Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. Please visit their website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.