Clifford Earl “Pete” Saale, age 86, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe, Missouri.
Pete was born the son of Lawrence and Frances (Garber) Saale on October 25, 1939 in Chillicothe, Missouri. After high school, he entered in to the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War. Pete was united in marriage to Bonnie Lou Wente on December 2, 1966, in Miami, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death on July 2, 2021.
Pete was a member of the United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri. He was also a member of the Chillicothe Elks Lodge #656, past president of Linn County Rural Fire Department for 8 years and past president of the Linn County 4-H. Pete was a farmer and a retired technician from Southwestern Bell Telephone. He had a passion for classic cars and enjoyed going to the casinos. Pete loved to travel, whether it was with the family or alone. He loved visiting with his friends and family.
Survivors include two sons, Michael Saale and wife Sherri of Hartland, Wisconsin and Jeffrey Saale of Chillicothe, Missouri; four grandchildren, Benten Saale, Christopher Saale, Belinda Saale and husband, Matthew Long, and Tim Saale; three brothers, Jim Saale and wife, Kay of Chillicothe, Missouri, John Saale of Platte City, Missouri and David Saale and wife, Lieschen of Madill, Oklahoma; three sisters, Rose Douglass and husband, Steve of Chillicothe, Missouri, Doris Saale of Brookfield, Missouri and Vicki Smith and husband, David of Smithville, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bonnie; daughter-in-law, Jamie Saale; one brother, Lawrence “Joe” Saale; and three sisters, Betty Jones, Donna Terry and Wanda Hesler.
Funeral services will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, February 20, at 11:00 a.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Friends may call at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m. Burial will be held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Chillicothe, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church and/or Chillicothe Elks Lodge and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601.Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
