Funeral Services for Gail Theye, age 83, of O'Neill will be 11:00 Saturday, May 30, 2020 at First Christian Church in O'Neill with Rev. Mike Durre officiating. Military rites will be provided by the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post 93 and the American Legion Riders. A private burial will take place at a later date in the O'Neill Cemetery. Gail passed away on Monday, May 25, 2020 at his home in O'Neill. Due to the current pandemic, Gail's family urges everyone to practice safe social distancing during the services. Please utilize the online guest book at biglinsmortuary.com to leave condolences. Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation. Biglin's Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Gail Norman Theye was born on May 12, 1937 in O'Neill, Nebraska to Ralph and Rose (Lynch) Theye. He attended early elementary school in O'Neill before moving to Kansas with his family where attended Neville Rural School. He graduated from St. Francis Community High School in 1955.

Gail joined the Kansas Army Reserves in 1956. He later transferred to the Nebraska National Guard where he was a 1st LT Officer. He was Honorably Discharged after 14 years of service.

In May of 1958, Gail began working for Merri Dr. Pepper Bottling Company of O'Neill as a route salesman. This was back in the day when a bottle of pop was only 10 cents. He worked for the bottling company until 1962 when he went to work for Frito Midwest which later became Frito-Lay Inc. His got his first new route truck in 1963. He generally traveled 45,000 miles per year to 41 towns, which averaged around 900 miles a week.

Gail married Carolyn Fuhrer on June 30, 1973 in O'Neill, Nebraska. They built their home east of O'Neill. On the 160 acres of land they raised hens and geese and put up hay. Gail continued to work for Frito Lay until Dec 31, 1992, after 30 years of service. Gail spent another nine years working for Pepsi Cola and retired for good at the age of 65.

He belonged to the First Christian Church since 1965 and served as a Deacon on the church board for three years.

Gail loved fishing, hunting, and wildlife. He fed many song birds, game birds, deer, wild turkey, and squirrels. Gail enjoyed watching all sports especially Nebraska Football.

Gail is survived by his wife, Carolyn Theye of O'Neill; four siblings, Rosetta Appleby of Fremont, Bruce (June) Theye of Ceresco, Connie (Dennis) Rowe of Fremont, Debbie (Dave) Lange of East Bernard, Texas; many nieces and nephews.

Gail was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Helen Bradley; and one brother-in-law, Wayne Appleby.