R.I.P. Lester Elias Dale

I love you grandpa. I know you are with all of our ancestors. Say “hi” to dad for me.

Grandpa Dale died this evening at approximately 08:27 p.m. MT. He went peacefully surrounded by family. I was in the room.

Lester Elias Dale of Denver was born March 17, 1918 in Randall Kansas. A World War II veteran, he served in the 49 Antiaircraft Military Brigade’s 413th AAA Gun Battalion where he received a commendation for his performance of duty during all combat missions in the Normandy, Northern France, Adrennes, Rhineland, and Central European Campaigns.

The 413th AAA Gun Battalion landed on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, as part of Assault Force “O” on June 6, 1944. The 413th was the first gun battalion ashore at Normandy and the first 90mm battalion to fire in an antitank role.

After the war, he moved his family to Pueblo Colorado where he worked for the railroad until retirement. He was preceded in death by his son, my father, Richard Charles. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, 2 daughters, 8 grandchildren and 8 great grand children. He was 88 years old.

Robert, little Lester and Christena Dale. Lester and Lois Lester and his kids 60th Anniversary in 2003 Lester Elias Dale at Pam Dale's 60th Birthday party on 11-11-06

He will be deeply missed.

I am an Elder Dale now. Creepy. It’s a pain to get around town today due to the beginning thaw of the Holiday Blizzard of 2006. Things should be crazy the next few days. I am completely and utterly sad.

Posted by RAD at December 22, 2006 10:16 PM