Dale E. Smith, 92, of Tuscola, IL, passed away at home on May 22, 2011 at 11:40 am, surrounded by many of his family members and his daughter, Sandy.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL from 9:30 am until the time of the funeral at 11:00 am. Pastor Michael Rutledge of Arthur will officiate. Pastor Rutledge and his wife Mary Ellen are long-time friends of Mr. Smith and his wife. Mr. Smith will be buried in Tuscola Township Cemetery with an honor guard escort and taps tribute by his long-time friend Gene Trimble.

Dale was born in Camargo, IL on August 7, 1918, the second of four sons born to Bart and Blanche Price Smith. He took his GED test upon his discharge from the Army, graduating in 1959. He married Geraldine (Jeri) Brading on January 12, 1944 at Tuscola, IL. The couple celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in 2011.

Dale is survived by his wife Jeri of Tuscola, son Ron (Judy) Smith of Sun City West, AZ, and daughter Sandra (Mike) Wagoner of Normal, IL. He is also survived by grandsons Jon (Maria) Wagoner of San Angelo, TX and Daniel "DJ" Smith of Phoenix, AZ, granddaughters Julie (Bill) Foree of Rochelle, IL, Becky (Roger) McCoy of Normal, IL, and Jenny (Jeff) Gruenemier of Peoria, AZ. He also leaves seven great-grandchildren.

Dale entered the U.S. Army in 1942, and served in the European Theatre with the 232nd Infantry, Company B, and 42nd Rainbow Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart with an oak leaf cluster for wounds received in France and Germany and two bronze stars for campaigns in the Rhine and Central Europe on June 17, 1945. Major General Edward F. Witsell presented the awards to him on March 1, 1946. Smith was also awarded the Bronze Star for bravery beyond the call of duty for action in Germany for holding down Germans in a foxhole. He was a disabled veteran.

Following his return to the States after World War II, Dale farmed for many years in Douglas County. When he retired, Dale and Jeri traveled throughout the United States, particularly the western states. After settling in Tuscola, Dale took up woodworking and whittling as a hobby. He made by hand toys, yard ornaments, and other wooden items. Dale also made the office signs and the donation box in the Douglas County Museum. He and his wife were volunteers in the museum for over 25 years. Dale was a member of the Southern Baptist Church of Arthur, Disabled American Veterans, VFW Post #10009 in Tuscola and the Douglas County Museum.

In February of 2011, Dale was diagnosed with stomach cancer. His beloved wife Jeri kept her promise to him to keep him out of a nursing home. With the assistance of hospice nurses, she cared for Dale in their home every day until his death, rarely leaving his side.

Dale was a Christian man who loved his God, his country, and his family. Those who knew him rejoice that Dale is no longer disabled now that he resides in a Heavenly home. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former of these things are passed away." {Revelation 21:4}

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Dale's memory be given to the Douglas County Museum, Southern Baptist Church of Arthur, IL or Lincolnland Hospice of Mattoon, IL

Online condolences to the family may be sent to hilligossshraderfh.com