Gailen L. McMullen

Gailen LaVerne McMullen, 92 years of age, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Saturday, February 28th, 2026.  Gailen, also known as “Mac,” was born on February 14th, 1934, to Myrle (Ice) and LaVerne McMullen.  Gailen graduated from Gibbon High School in Gibbon, NE in 1952.  After graduation, Gailen attended Coyne Electronic school in Chicago, where he learned how to fix and repair televisions.  In 1954, Gailen joined the United States Army, being stationed in both Germany and England until 1957.

Gailen attended Kearney State College, graduating in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in education.  Gailen completed his master’s program in Education, graduating from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in 1973.  Gailen furthered his education, completing his specialist degree in Education, also from UNL.

Gailen taught high school in Nebraska City from 1962 – 1963, and then moved to teach in Beatrice, NE, where he taught Industrial Education for 33 years, retiring in 1996.  Gailen and Barbara also owned and operated the Christian Book and Gift store in downtown Beatrice from 1986 to present.

Gailen married his wife, Barbara J. Adams in 1959, in Peru, NE.  Gailen and Barbara had three daughters, Gail, Carla, and Tammy.  Gailen and Barbara were blessed with 7 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

Gailen was active in his community, having been a member of the Beatrice Education Association, Nebraska State Education Association, the Retired Teachers Association, Homestead Gem and Mineral Club, Coin Club, the VFW, Legion Club, and Lions Club from which he was awarded the Melvin Jones award for humanitarian service.  Gailen was an active member of the Beatrice First Christian Church where he served many years as a Decon and Trustee. 

Gailen had many hobbies he enjoyed, including gardening, growing roses, and coin, stamp, and rock collecting.  Gailen especially enjoyed taking many bus trips to Branson, MO, and always looked forward to the musical entertainment.  Gailen also greatly enjoyed spending time with friends having coffee at the Beatrice Senior Center, and various restaurants in Beatrice.

Gailen will be greatly missed by his friends and loved ones, including his wife of 66 years, Barbara J. McMullen, daughters Gail (Greg) Mann, Carla (Dale) Berg, Tammy (Jon) Weichel, grandchildren Tabitha (Wesley) Runge, Christina Mann, Ronni (Ryan) Bingham, Jami (Bryce) Hermsmeier, Jacob Mann, Bodee Weichel, and Ty Weichel, 13 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild, brother-in-law Marshall (Volene) Adams, nieces and nephews.  Gailen was proceeded in death by his parents, LaVerne and Myrle McMullen, in-laws Carl and Vyrle Adams, brother Gary McMullen.

Gailen's funeral will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the First Christian Church in Beatrice. Family prayer service will be at 9:45 AM Thursday at the church. The body will lie in state Wednesday from 1-8:00 PM and the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice and at the church on Thursday morning one hour preceding the service. The family will greet friends on Wednesday from 6-7:30 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice. A memorial has been established to the family's choice for future designation with the funeral home in charge.

We invite you to leave memories and upload photos to Gailen's memorial page at www.ghchapel.com to continue to celebrate his life. You may also view his video tribute.

 These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.