Milton Dale Moake

  Creal Springs – Dale “Blackie” Moake, 84, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at Medical City Arlington Hospital in Arlington, Texas. Dale was born on August 9, 1933 in St. Louis, Missouri to Howard and Connie Moake. He was educated in southern Illinois, graduating from Marion Township High School, excelling as a letterman in four sports. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where he participated in the ROTC program. Dale married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Sue Harris, on April 3, 1956 in San Antonio, Texas, where he attended basic training before becoming an officer in the USAF. Sue and Dale have shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. Dale proudly served our country in the USAF for 30 years, retiring in March of 1986 as a Colonel. While in the military, Dale had several overseas tours during the Vietnam War. He and Sue returned to the Marion area after retirement and made their home on his favorite point on the banks of the Lake of Egypt in Creal Springs. An avid fisherman, Dale captained the same fishing boat for 30 years. This outdoorsman loved gardening, boating, barbecuing, mowing, and hunting. He loved listening to music, especially country western, big band, and the blues. Dale and Sue ‘tore up’ many a dance floor. Dale loved his family – his wife, his four children, and seven grandchildren. He cherished time spent with each one. Dale is survived by: his wife, Sue; children, Debbie Shroyer, Kim Tomasetti, Sandy DiBari, and Steve Moake; grandchildren, Madeleine Shroyer, Meredith Shroyer, Lauren Tomasetti, Danielle Tomasetti Corapcioglu, Justin Tomasetti, John Thomas DiBari and Alexandra DiBari Smithey; son-in-laws, John Shroyer, David Tomasetti, and John DiBari. We will miss Dale/Dad/Papa/Blackie, but will cherish our fond memories of him as we celebrate his long and full life. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery where Dale will receive full military rights for his dedicated service to our country. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Wounded Warrior Project, or the American Lung Association. Dale was a devoted supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for over 30 years. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit bluefuneralhome.com