Darrell Dennis Dale

Darrell Dennis Dale, age 56, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2008, at his home in Rich Hill, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. He was born Feb. 5, 1952, in Butler, Mo., the second of three children, and was reared in Rich Hill, by his loving grandparents, Homer and Menta Dale. He attended school in Rich Hill and some of his happiest, early memories were of Cub Scout and Boy Scout activities and playing of football.

He graduated with the class of 1970. On Aug. 21, 1970, he married his high school sweetheart, Janet Wheatley, who he always said he fell in love with in the first grade. To this union two children were born, Logan Matthew and Mendy Janell. Darrell was a devoted and loving husband and father and was always in attendance at his children's sporting events and school activities.

His proudest moments were additions of six grandchildren to his family. He loved each of them dearly. Darrell joined the church at a young age and was a lifelong active member of the United Methodist Church, where he served as trustee for many years and volunteered his time on many projects. He was employed at Kansas City Power & Light, in LaCygne, Kan., for 31 years, his most recent position being control operator and simulator trainer. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 412.

Darrell was an avid football fan, beginning with his own high school football days as a Rich Hill Tiger. He was a loyal fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Rich Hill Tigers. Darrell assisted in the press box at the Tiger games for nearly 20 years.

Family and friends were of utmost importance to Darrell, He was happiest when he was spending time at Stockton Lake and there was nothing he enjoyed more than getting a large group together to go camping, boating and water skiing. He always said, "The hotter the better and the more the merrier." Over the years, he taught Logan, Mendy and their friend, and other family and friends to water ski; including church youth groups and youth groups from the community youth development center. He lived life to the fullest and especially cherished his vacations and traveling with close friends and family to many different states. No time was allowed to be wasted during vacation. Every morning was a new adventure.

Darrell was preceded in death by his grandparents and his sister, Joyce Elaine. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Janet, of the home, two children, Logan Dale and wife Shanna, of Houston, and Mendy Bridgewater and husband Jason, of Rich Hill; sister Donna McCarty and husband Mickey, of Joplin; six grandchildren, Mariah Corrin, Emma Elaine and Carson Matthew Dale, and Adam Dale, Clifton Tom and Daniel Jason Bridgewater; mother-in-law, Elnora Wheatly, of Rich Hill; sister-in-law Karen Adams and friend Lary Brasher; sister-in-law, Madeleine Watson and husband David; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces, and a host of friends. Darrell was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 3, at 11 a.m., at Rich Hill Methodist Church, in Rich Hill, with pastor Sam Fisher officiating. Interment followed at Green Lawn Cemetery, in Rich Hill. Pallbearers were: Steve Hedrick, Eddie Hays, Darold Hendrickson, Kyle Hedrick, Lance Hedrick and Monty Cooper. Honorary Pallbearers were: Randy Bell, Vic Jennings, Lennie Tourtillott, Doug Hedrick, Larry Glackin, David Watson, Larry Brasher and Dave Hedrick.

Arrangements by Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill.