85-year-old Dale Loker of Wayne City, went to his heavenly home on April 14, 2019 after a valiant battle with cancer. His devotion to his family and his unyielding belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
Dale was born to the late George and Joy (Fleming) Loker in Keenes on January 1, 1934. He was the first Wayne County Baby Derby winner. His strong faith and walk with the Lord began with his mother and loving grandparents, which was the foundation that he lived his life. He married his high school sweetheart, Nola Jane Henson, on August 16, 1952 in Wayne City. In their 66 years of blessed marriage, Dale and Nola farmed for 42 years before retiring in 2001. He was a member of the Keenes Christian Church, where he served as a deacon then an elder for many years. Dale dedicated his life to serving his Lord and Savior, raising his children, and loving his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dale is survived by his loving wife Nola; his daughter Debra (Jeffrey) Klenke of Hixton, Wisconsin, Eugene (Gwen) Loker of Hermitage, Tennessee, Ronald (Tonya) Loker of Wayne City, Larry (Shannon) Loker of Wayne City and Jeffrey Loker of Sandoval, Illinois; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren with number 27 to arrive in October. He is also survived by his siblings: Gale Loker, Betty (Leroy) Shelton, Jerry (Margie) Loker, June (Terry) Bashore, Kent (Patty) Loker; and many dear friends in their second home of LaBelle, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Kay McCormick.
Visitation will be Wednesday, April 17 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Keenes Christian Church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 18 at Keenes Christian Church. Bro. Tim Coonce will officiate. Dale’s final earthly resting place will be at Thomason Cemetery in Wayne City.
Memorial contributions can be made to SSM Hospice or Thomason Cemetery and will be accepted at Richardson Funeral Home or Keenes Christian Church.
Richardson Funeral Home in Wayne City is in charge of all the arrangements.