JASPER, Gail W.
Gail W. Jasper, 75, died June 2, 2020 as he lived, putting the final polishing touches on his car.
He was born in Sayre, Oklahoma, on January 25, 1945, while his father was stationed there in the Navy during World War II. He grew up in Gary and Thorpe, West Virginia, graduated from Fork Union Military Academy, earned his business degree from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, then served for seven years in the United States Army. During his two years in Germany, he met and married his wife, Pat, and went on to serve 13 months in Vietnam as commander of a truck company convoying goods and materials to fire bases daily. When we came home to his family home in Buchanan, , he managed the Truckstops of America at Exit 150 for 25 years, worked as a cashier for The Bank of Fincastle for 10 years, and was a member of the VFW Post 1841 in Daleville. Gail loved his model trains and showing them to the local kids in the no matter what their age. He was also a member of the Model Train Collectors Club.
He wass predeceased by his parents, John Basil and Mary Faith Paine Jasper, and his beloved cocker spaniel, Peanut.
He is survived by his wife, Pat, of nearly 50 years; his sons, Michael John (Tracy) and Thomas Wesley (Missy) Jasper; grandchildren, Luke Michael and Quinn Jasper, Corey (Hannah) White, Brian, Deborah and Samuel Matute, and Henry Parker; great-granddaughter, Ella LeAnne White; and his beloved Cockers, Molly and Puddles. He is also survived by his brother, John B. (Anita) Jasper from Boise, Idaho, and sisters, Jane (Barry) Wise from Roanoke and Kimberly (Karl) Fischbeck from Pelzer, South Carolina; and his Godsons, Nicholas and Jonathan Gogal from Savannah and Bishop, Georgia. Gail loved his family, neighbors, friends, customers, and his employees at TA, who were family to him as were his co-workers at The Bank of Fincastle, also Chris and Spring Witt and their teenage employees at the Witt Stop.
A memorial service was held Sunday, June 7, at 2 p.m. in the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home, with the Rev. Matthew Aldas and Elder Cleatus Newcomb officiating. Inurnment was in Fairview Cemetery with military honors. His grandsons, Luke and Quinn, played “Taps” for him. The family received friends after the burial at the Anchorage on Main Street in Buchanan. Those wishing to make a contribution, please consider St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Wounded Warriors Project, and New Freedom Farm in Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at botetourtfuneralhome.com or 540-254-3000.
