Ward Dale
Ward Edmond Dale, 93, died Feb. 7, 2002, at Marion Manor.
The son of Ed G. and Minnie (Crippen) Dale, he was born Aug. 14, 1908, in St. Paul, Minn.
He attended elementary and secondary schools in Topeka. Dale graduated from Kansas State University in 1932 with a degree in mechanical engineering and, in 1933 received a degree in civil engineering. He worked a short time for the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway Company in Chicago before entering the U.S. Army in World War II.
During the war, he served for two years and eight months in Headquarters Company, 312th Combat Engineers, 87th Infantry, Third Division, in the European Theatre of Operation.
Upon returning to the United States, he went to work for the Kansas Department of Transportation. His work took him all over the state with road and bridge projects. Eventually he was made resident engineer and was assigned to the district office in Marion. He covered Marion, Chase, and parts of McPherson and Morris counties.
On Nov. 9, 1958, he was married to Geraldine Hamm of Cottonwood Falls. Their entire married life was spent in Marion.
Ward retired from KDOT Dec. 31, 1973. He enjoyed his hobby of wood carving.
Dale was a member of the Marion Christian Church, American Legion Post #102 at Marion, and Zeredetha Lodge #80 in Cottonwood Falls.
Survivors include his wife, of the home, a brother Phillip of Wamego, two nieces, and a nephew.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Zeiner Funeral Home. Burial was in the Prairie Grove Cemetery, Cottonwood Falls.
The Rev. John Yates of Marion Christian Church officiated at the service. Vocal selections were provided by Lenore Mitchell with Norma Riggs as organist.
Casket bearers were Bob Jirak, Fred Samples, Larry Lange, Forrest Smith, Gayland Park, and Mick Summervill.
A memorial has been established at Marion Christian Church.
