Robert Dale Willhite, 87, passed away Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018, at Christian Healthcare South in Lebanon.
He was born March 29, 1930, in Plato, son of Robert and Bessie Carter Willhite. He and Bonnie Ruth Spencer were married Dec. 28, 1951.
He was born and raised in Plato. After graduating from high school, he served two years in the Air Force.
He and his wife, Bonnie, made their home in the Plato area. He was employed as a carpenter and a cook at Fort Leonard Wood. In 1964, he began his employment with Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association until he retired in 1988.
He was saved at an early age and attended Plato Christian Church and Roby Christian Church.
He enjoyed attending Plato High School sporting events, especially baseball and basketball. He loved St. Louis Cardinal baseball, community fish fries and hanging out with friends at Walt’s. Dale loved mowing his yard and taking his grandkids on rides.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Larry Willhite; two brothers, Gene and James Willhite; two sisters, Mable Hammond and Ruth Porter; and a granddaughter.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Bonnie of the home; two sons, Bob Willhite of Rolla and Don Willhite of Roby; four daughters, Debi Alleger of Strafford, Elaine Van Noy of Springfield, Penny Morrison of Lynchburg and Nancy Grisham of Arlington, Texas; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; a great-great grandchild; a sister, Fern Weber, of Houston; a brother, Howard Willhite, of Katy, Texas; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services were Saturday, Feb. 17, at Plato Christian Church with Gene Earp and Steve Spencer officiating. Services were under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Embree (Dutch Chapel) Cemetery may be made through the funeral home or given to the family.
