Born: May 18, 1924

Died: Oct. 17, 2012

Gail William McNitt, 88, of Niles, passed away at Brentwood Assisted Living with his family by his side on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012.
He was born on May 18, 1924, in Keeler to the late William Sylvester and Wava (Parmer) McNitt. After graduating from high school, Gail served his country proudly in the United States Army. Upon returning home from WWII, Gail’s heart was stolen by the young, beautiful Joan Alspaugh. On April 12, 1947, he wed Joan at a ceremony in South Bend and this year they celebrated 65 years of marriage.
Gail was, first and foremost, a husband, father and grandfather and he took these roles very seriously. He was an excellent provider and wonderful father. Gail spent many years at Bendix, where he was part of the team that designed the Talos Missile and at Magnavox where he worked as an electrical engineer. He was a skilled carpenter, even building his own boats, and was always tinkering; many inventions were brought to life because they solved a problem for Gail or made something easier.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Orlo and James McNitt.
He is survived by his wife, Joan McNitt of Niles; three sons, Brian (Mary Jean) McNitt of East Lansing, Terry (Linda) McNitt of Niles and Timothy (Amy) McNitt of Bellingham, Wa. He is also survived by his daughter, Kathleen Lowe of Linton, Ind.; four grandchildren, James (Jennifer) Lowe, Kendra (Rob) Lasley, Sarah McNitt and Steven Lowe; and his eight great-grandchildren, Ariel, Taylor, Jarika, Meagan, Patty, Jason, Jakob and Noah.
Those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to the American Heart Association or Southern Care Hospice.
Photos, memories or condolences may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or www.Facebook.com/brownfuneralhomeniles.
A time of visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, at Brown Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22, at Brown Funeral Home with the Rev. Fran Lane Lawrence officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.