Longtime Chillicothe Resident Clifford Earl 'Pete' Saale Dies at 86

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Clifford Earl 'Pete' Saale, a lifelong resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on February 15, 2026, at the age of 86. Saale served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and later worked as a technician for Southwestern Bell Telephone. He was an active member of the Chillicothe community, serving as a past president of the Linn County Rural Fire Department and the Linn County 4-H.

Why it matters

Saale's passing marks the end of an era for Chillicothe, as he was a fixture in the community for decades. His involvement in local organizations and his long career with the telephone company made him a well-known and respected figure in the area.

The details

Saale was born in Chillicothe in 1939 and spent his entire life in the city. After serving in the Navy, he married Bonnie Lou Wente in 1966. Saale worked as a technician for Southwestern Bell Telephone and was also a farmer. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Chillicothe and was involved with the Chillicothe Elks Lodge and the Linn County 4-H.

• Saale was born on October 25, 1939 in Chillicothe, Missouri.
• Saale served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
• Saale married Bonnie Lou Wente on December 2, 1966 in Miami, Oklahoma.
• Saale's wife, Bonnie, passed away on July 2, 2021.
• Saale passed away on February 15, 2026 at Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe.