SGT. , 38, of the Tupelo Police Department, came to the end of his watch on December 23, 2013. As the hero he had always been, Gale made the ultimate sacrifice in giving his life while keeping the citizens of his city safe during a deadly encounter following a reported bank robbery. Because of some of his final actions, the lives of others were saved.
Gale was born June 21, 1975, to Kevin Gale Stauffer, Sr. and Deborah McAlilly Brangenberg. He married his high school sweetheart, Beth Cabiness of Baton Rouge, La. in April, 2003.
As a young man, Gale earned the honor of being awarded the Eagle Scout badge. After graduating from high school in Baton Rouge, La., he attended Itawamba Community College where he was a member of the Indians football team. A true patriot, Gale felt called to serve his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Military and bravely served his tour of duty in Iraq as a Sergeant in the Louisiana Army National Guard, 1088th Engineer Battalion in 2004 and 2005. After settling with his family in Tupelo, Gale became a member of First United Methodist Church in Tupelo.
Prior to his tour of duty in Iraq, SGT. Stauffer worked for the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. Upon his return, he joined the ranks of the Tupelo Police Department. Always with a passion for learning, he continued his education, studying at the University of Mississippi, where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice.
Gale was a true public servant and loved his role as a police officer. He was a thorough investigator who always showed sincere compassion for every victim. He had the heart of a warrior, the strength of a lion, and was fiercely loyal and protective of his family and friends. Gale studied, trained, and practiced to always be the best at everything he did. He was a soldier. He was a police officer. And he was a vigilant protector of those he loved. In every way, Gale was the embodiment of an American hero and patriot who was never shy about expressing his love of country and always enjoyed a hearty political debate.
Gale was a passionate fan of LSU football. He was a man who loved the outdoors, and hunting and fishing were always in his blood. A born Cajun chef, he loved to cook his favorites and often treated his work partners with masterful meals of jambalaya, gumbo, and crawfish. He was an avid reader of military and political thrillers. His exuberant laughter and sense of humor were impossible to ignore and was always able to lift the heaviest of hearts.
Gale was a man of many talents and interests. But, above all, Gale was an adoring, devoted husband to his wife, Beth, and the kindest, most gentle and loving father to his two children, Dixie and Skip. Everything Gale did in life, he did for his family. His every thought and action revolved around them and how he could make their lives better.
A service of Death and Resurrection will be held on Friday, December 27, 2013, at First United Methodist Church, 412 West Main Tupelo, MS, with Reverend James Curtis and Bishop William T. McAlilly officiating. Holland Funeral Directors are entrusted with the service. Interment will be in Tupelo Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 26, 2013, at First United Methodist Church Sanctuary and Gathering Room from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m.
He is survived by his wife, Beth; daughter, Dixie Breckenridge Stauffer, age 6; and son, Kevin Gale (Skip) Stauffer, III, age 2, of Tupelo. He is also survived by his father, Kevin Gale Stauffer, Sr. and stepmother, Kay Stauffer of Baton Rouge, La.; mother, Deborah Brangenberg and stepfather, Carl J. Brangenberg of Tupelo; sister, Caroline Turney (Brandon) of Tupelo; two stepbrothers, Scott Cooper of Baton Rouge, La. and Chris Brangenberg of Breaux Bridge, La.; stepsister, Carla Brangenberg of Memphis; grandmother, Dr. Dorothy Twiss Sinopoli of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; grandparents, Dr. Roy and Mrs. Lorene McAlilly of Tupelo; aunt, Katie Stauffer of Dickenson, Texas; uncles, Jeff Twiss (Cathy) of Gautier, Miss., Jon Twiss (Melanie) of Jackson, Miss., Stephen L. McAlilly (Beverly) of Tupelo, and Bishop William T. McAlilly (Lynn) of Nashville, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be his fellow members of the Tupelo Police Department, Officers David Harville, Chamila Brown, Nathan Sheffield, Deandre Eiland, Tyler Cook, Jim Littlejohn, Jason Whitenton, and Clay Hassell. Honorary pallbearers will be Lt. Marty Mask, Sgt. John Moses, and Officer Joseph Maher.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Kevin Gale Stauffer Memorial Fund at any BancorpSouth Bank branch or mailed to BancorpSouth, P.O. Box 789, Tupelo, MS 38802.
