Justin Dean Gale

Justin Dean Gale was born on November 22, 2004, in Casper, Wyoming, and joined the Gale family at the age of four, bringing an immediate and undeniable spark of joy into our lives and home. From that moment on, he became a cherished son, a deeply loved brother, an instant uncle, and an irreplaceable piece of our hearts. The bond we shared was never defined by how his story began, but by the lifetime of love, laughter, and treasured memories we created together.

By the age of five, Justin already knew exactly who he wanted to be—a cowboy. More specifically, he dreamed of becoming a bull rider. Cowboying wasn't simply something he admired; it was who he was at heart. When he became part of the Gale family through adoption, he decided that a real cowboy needed a cowboy name. His first choice was Lane Frost, his rodeo hero, but when that wasn't an option, he proudly chose the name Justin convinced that many cowboys must have the name because it was on his boots, he embraced it with excitement, and it became a name that fit him perfectly.

Justin was especially thrilled that his adoption was made official by Judge Parks, whom he affectionately called the "cowboy judge" as evidenced by his boots. This made the day even more meaningful to Justin. It was one more reminder that, in his heart, he had truly found where he belonged.

Justin's dream of becoming a bull rider became a reality when he began riding miniature bulls at the age of eight with the Rocky Mountain Association of Miniature Bull Riders. Through the sport he loved, Justin traveled throughout Wyoming and beyond, competing at events including Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Junior National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. While he treasured the excitement of competition, what meant the most to him were the lifelong friendships and sense of family he found within the miniature bull riding community. Those relationships became an important part of who he was and remained close to his heart.

Bull riding was not the only thing that kept Justin busy. He also cherished the time he spent with family friends, Dr. Jim Thies and Sam Thies, who quickly became like family to him. Justin loved them deeply, and they loved him as a son and brother. Whether they were on hunting trips, attending bull riding camps, or working with horses, Justin enjoyed every minute spent with them. Jim and Sam encouraged Justin not only in his love of bull riding and horsemanship but also in growing his relationship with Jesus Christ. Their influence and friendship were among the greatest blessings in his life.

Justin was naturally athletic and excelled at nearly every sport he tried. Whatever the activity, he wanted to learn, improve, and be the best he could be. There was, however, one challenge he could never quite conquer—leg wrestling with his sister, Sara, who remains the undefeated family champion.

When he wasn't riding bulls or spending time with horses, Justin could often be found fishing. The North Platte River was one of his favorite places to cast a line, or out at the duck ponds with his friend Evan, although Pathfinder Reservoir held a special place in his heart. Some of Justin's most treasured memories were made there with his dad, spending countless hours fishing together and sharing conversations that neither of them would ever forget.

One of the greatest joys of Justin's life came recently when he learned he was the father of a beautiful daughter, Lylah. He embraced fatherhood with a love and devotion that came naturally to him. Justin adored his little girl and proudly shared photos and updates with his sisters whenever he could. Visits to his parents' home with Lylah were filled with laughter, especially as Justin was gently reminded that her mischievous personality may have been inherited from her daddy.

The most important decision Justin ever made was to place his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, later publicly professing that faith through baptism. His relationship with Christ was the foundation of his hope, and his family finds comfort in knowing that on June 13, 2026, Justin was welcomed into the arms of his Savior. There he was reunited with those who had gone before him, including his grandfather, John Love; his grandparents, Dusty and Darlene Rhodes; and his grandmother, Gloria Lesher.

Justin leaves behind those who will forever cherish his memory: his parents, Jim and Barbara Gale of Evansville, Wyoming; his daughter, Lylah; his sisters, Shannon (Rob) Ranchester Wyoming, Rachael of Belton, Missouri, Kristen (Richard) of Hawk Point, Missouri, Courtney (Aaron) of Olton, Texas, Ali (Jorge) of Casper, Wyoming, Sara of Casper, Wyoming, and Whitney of Casper, Wyoming, brother Jason of South Dakota, and grandmother, Janice Love of Casper, Wyoming. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, countless friends, and the extended rodeo family who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Justin Gale Memorial Fund to assist with the care and future education of his daughter, Lylah. Memorial donations may be made payable to Jimmy or Barbara Gale, P.O. Box 2473, Mills, WY 82644. Please note "Justin Gale Memorial" in the memo line. Donations can also be made direct to Barbara with the following link https://venmo.com/u/Barbara-Gale-1

Services for Justin will be held on Monday, June 29th at 11:00am at College Heights Baptist church in the upper chapel.

To share a memory of Justin or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.