Dale L. Huxman, born to Elmer and Mary Huxman on August 16, 1924, in Arnold, KS, passed on to his eternal home on September 16, 2010 at Garden Terrace in Overland Park, KS. Visitation will be held Monday, September 20th, at McGilley State Line Chapel, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Graveside memorial services will be Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 10:30 am at the Arnold Cemetery, Arnold, Kansas with Rev. Barbara McLain presiding. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Ransom VFW.
As one of four children, Dale was raised a country boy who developed a strong reliable work ethic, demonstrated neighborly generosity and kindness and earned respect for his honesty and integrity in both his business and personal relationships.
Dale began school at an early age, therefore graduating high school at the age of seventeen. Influenced by the unexpected loss of his mother at age eleven, his Dad's marriage, and the enlistment of his inseparable cousins, Dale enlisted in the Army as well. He proudly served his country during WWII, and was honorably discharged in 1944. Soon thereafter, he married Lorine Fose on August 18, 1945, and fathered five children. Over the next twenty years Dale worked as an abstractor, graduated from Ft. Hays State in 1949 with a BA in P.E., taught math, history and social studies to junior and senior high students. He was a starting outfielder for the Hill City Athletics, a semi-pro baseball team throughout the 50's; coached and refereed basketball, football and summer little league baseball. He also facilitated a family run food service, a format for educating his children to many of life's lessons.
In 1964, Dale pursued a career change into banking, living in Morland, KS for nearly ten years. In May 1974, Dale married Vivian Van Hoosier and lived in Frederick, Colorado for a short time. The couple relocated to Leawood, KS where Dale established an insurance business and resided until his death. For the last six and a half years of Vivian's life and struggle with cancer, Dale relinquished his business and became her caretaker. She passed away September 16, 2006; he followed her exactly four years later after suffering a severe head injury in June, 2009. During his last year he felt the success of progress and the discouragement of setbacks. However, he continued to teach by example, by determination and by perseverance. His sense of humor prevailed as did his appreciation for a pretty face and the company of friends.
Without a doubt Dale loved the many friends and neighbors of Kansas City who became "family". He also enjoyed outdoor sports and activities, playing cards with friends at the church and the VFW, dining with the "Brunch Bunch" and faithfully walking his canine companion, Charlie. He attended service as a member at Village Presbyterian Church, as well as enjoyed his new friends at Church of the Ressurrection.
Dale is preceded in death by his wife, Vivian; Lorine Butterfield, the mother of his children; and his grandson, Byron Goff. He leaves behind five children; Daylene (Dale) Huggins of Rome, Georgia; JoLynn Goff of Monroe, Wisconsin; Marilou Huxman of San Diego, California; Leigh Ann Rogers of Emporia, KS and JD (Lisa) Huxman of Leawood, KS; two sisters, Ruth (Ab) Meyer and Doris (Elvin) Brown of Oklahoma and one brother Willis (Elsie) of California; thirteen grandchildren; Kim, Derek, Tyler, Jared, Mason, Courtney, Carlee, Grant, Blair, Tom Jr., Lisa, Anne and Jane and six great-grandchildren; Britny, Baylee, Stephanie, Caitlyn, Jordyn and D.J.
Family, friends and many others will miss Dale, and the immediate joy and blessing he provided. Released from the entrapments of a failing body, we watch your spirit rise, Papa/Pop/Dad! Feel the joy, be at peace! We love you and look forward to our reunion day!
Memorial contributions may be made to Garden Terrace, 7541 Switzer, Overland Park, KS 66214 or Kansas City Hospice, 9221 Ward Parkway, Ste. 100, Kansas City, MO 64135.