DUNKIRK – A life that touches others is a life that will go on forever. Dale Francis Chism was reunited with his loving wife after passing peacefully, surrounded by his supportive family, on Saturday, July 6, 2013.
Dale was
born on October 4, 1936 in Izard County, Arkansas to parents Earl Marvin and
Mae Idell Chism. Dale was the eighth child of eleven:
Marie
Smith (Arlis), Curtis Chism, Amel Chism (Deceased), Glen Chism (Deceased), Jack
Chism (Deceased), Earl Chism (Deceased), Don Chism (Deceased), Opal Pitts
(Deceased), Erma June Sexton (Deceased) and Velma Tunnicliff (Deceased).
In March
of 1957, Dale married his wife of fifty-five years, Penelope Kay Chism in
Muncie. Kay blessed Dale with four children and the family lived in Shideler
before building their own home in Dunkirk. Dale took great pride in caring for
his home and garden. Dale was employed at Douglas Eaton, Shideler Grain and
retired from Chevrolet in Muncie after 30 years.
Dale felt most comfortable in his cowboy hat
and boots. He loved roaming the hills of Arkansas and visiting his family that
still reside there. Dale was extremely proud of his “hillbilly” roots.
Strangers simply didn’t exist to Dale. He friended everyone he met and was
quick to brag about his children and grandchildren. In Dale’s own words, they
were his “pride and joy”, and nothing made him happier than being surrounded by
their laughter. Family meals were especially joyous, Dale wasn’t shy about returning
for second helpings of Kay’s delicious cooking. Dale will be remembered fondly
for his love of westerns and country music, frequent casino trips, strawberry
milkshakes, and his favorite jug tucked away in the garage.
Left to
cherish Dale’s memory are two sons, Roger Chism (wife, Vicky) of Hartford City
and Carl Chism (wife, Lechelle) of Muncie; Two daughters, Marsha Dragoo
(husband, Edward) of Albany and Sandy Johnson (husband, Jake) of Dunkirk; Four
grandchildren, Teaessa Chism-Okino (husband, Scott) of Seattle, WA, Michael
Smith of Albany, Jamie Dragoo of Muncie and Tara Dragoo of Albany; Two
extremely spoiled great-grandchildren, Zachary Carter of Albany and Kaylynn
Nolley of Muncie, and a little Chism-Okino on the way; Multiple step-grandchildren,
Bonnie Frye (Chris) and children Kristin, Brianna and Austin, Jackie Campbell
(Billy) and children Tori and Jacob, Michelle Mchatton (Keith), Joe Johnson and
children Tasya and Mercades, Heather Johnson and son, Chase, Tina Johnson and
children Adrian and Skylar; Very special friend and neighbor, Phil Buck.
In addition
to his wife Kay, Dale was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings.
A
celebration of Dale’s wonderful life will be 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10,
2013 at Pitman-Richman Funeral Home, 200 S. Hartford St., Eaton. Burial will follow
in Black Cemetery, Albany.
Friends
and family may call from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at the funeral
home and one hour prior to services Wednesday.
Memorial
contributions may be made in Dale’s honor to the IUBMH Cancer Center.
Dale’s
family wishes to thank the staff at Albany Health and Rehabilitation, New Hope
Hospice, IUBMH Cancer Center and Pitman-Richman Funeral Home for their
outstanding care and compassion.
