Gayle E. Gard, 91, of Martinsville, IL, passed away at 11:00 PM Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the Casey Health Care Center at Casey, IL. Gayle was born Dec. 7, 1933 in Chicago, IL, the son of Ernest and Nellie Gard. He married Norma Jean Tucker on May 16, 1953 in Marshall, IL. They were happily married for 65 years until her passing in 2018. Gayle was a member of the Martinsville First Christian Church and a graduate of Martinsville High School. He worked at Velsicol Chemical Corporation in Marshall until it closing in 1988. Gayle was a talented rhythm guitar player. He never had a lesson, but said that God gave him the ability to play. He won a music contest at age 16 and this began a rewarding music career., He played for many years with a country-western band called the Mountaineers. He traveled many miles through several states with the band and loved every minute of it. He was still playing every week at age 91 with a group of musicians who would meet at his house, including great-grandson, Logan. Gayle was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and his four brothers; Gerald, Don, Babe and Kenny. He is survived by a daughter, , Deb (Norm) Tracy of Greenup, IL; a son, Bob (Lisa) Gard of Marshall, IL; grandchildren, Nicole (Tom) Beals of Charleston, IL,KaLeigh (Greg) Taylor of Charleston, IL, Josh (Amy) Gard of Marshall, IL, Luke (Kellie) Gard of Tuscola, IL, Levi (Ashley) Gard of Marshall, IL; great grandchildren, Logan Beals, Avery Beals, Ella Taylor, Brady Taylor, Emma Gard, Alli Gard, Avery Gard, Jayse Gard, Koy Gard and Victoria Gard and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 12 Noon to 2:00 PM Friday with a service in honor of his life at 2:00 PM at Pearce Funeral Home in Marshall. Pastor Billie Ray Ulrey will officiate. Burial will be in the Livingston Cemetery. The family has requested for those who desire to make memorial contributions in his memory, to the Oblong Chilren's Christian Home Oblong, IL. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com.