Dale Thomas Heitman, Sr., 70, passed away Sept. 21, 2010, at his home after a courageous battle against cancer.
He was born May 26, 1940, in St. Louis, Mo., the first son of Oliver McKinley and Naomi Eleanor (Dickneite) Heitman.
As a young person, Dale lived in St. Louis, Mo. He attended Ames Elementary School and Central High School, where he was a member of the Class of 1958, and Harris Teachers College in St. Louis until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, January 1959. He served his country until he was honorably discharged in January 1963.
He met Judith Mae McGuire in March of 1963 in St. Louis, Mo. They were married in East St. Louis, Ill., in a civil ceremony above a firehouse on Nov. 5, 1963; they were happily married for 46 years, 10 months and 16 days. Of this marriage two children were born, Dawn Kathleen Harris and Dale Thomas Heitman, Jr.
Dale worked for Sheet Metal Workers Local #36 in St. Louis until his retirement in May 2000. Dale received his 40-year pin from SMW Local #36. He was also a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows Lodge #5, St. Louis, Mo.
Dale enjoyed fishing, hunting, being outdoors, his animals, painting, his 1940 Ford, telling stories of his adventures, playing and telling stories to his four granddaughters and being surrounded by his family and friends.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents; a great aunt, Eleanor Mueller (Nana); a son, Timothy Shawn Peter McGuire; a brother, Joseph Oliver Heitman; and sister-in-law, Laverne.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; two children, Dawn Harris and husband, Vernon, of Camdenton, Mo., and Dale T. Heitman, Jr. and his wife, Shelly, of New Athens, Ill.; four grandchildren, Alexis Danielle, Rachel Renee, Sadie Amelia and Clara Naomi; two sisters, Karon L. Bilbrey and husband, Vern, and Sharon L. Littleton and husband, Ralph; his brother, William G.Heitman and wife, Maureen; his nephews and nieces, Robert Bilbrey and wife, Cindy, Christina Bilbrey, Timothy Littleton and wife, Amy, Heather Fitzsimmons and husband, Patrick, and Katherine R. Heitman all of the St. Louis area; two brother-in-laws, Patrick D. McGuire and wife, Elizabeth, of Clarksville, Mo., and Michael G. McGuire of Ypsilanti, Mich.
Dale was a great husband, father, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, nephew, cousin, friend and neighbor. His sense of humor and caring spirit will be with us always.
A celebration of Dale’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010, at Evans Funeral Home with Pastor Frank White officiating. Visitation will be from noon until service time. His body has been cremated. Services are under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
The family respectfully requests that donations be made to Texas County Hospice of Care in his honor in lieu of floral arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfh.com.