Robert "Dale" Willhite (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the Plato Christian Church.
Robert Dale Willhite, son of Robert and Bessie Carter Willhite, was born on March 29, 1930, in Plato, Missouri. He departed this life Sunday, February 11, 2018, in Christian Healthcare South, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-seven years, ten months, and thirteen days.
On December 28, 1951, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Ruth Spencer, and to this union three sons and four daughters were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Larry Willhite; two brothers, Gene and James Willhite; two sisters, Mable Hammond and Ruth Porter; and one granddaughter, Kimberly Smith.
Dale is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Bonnie, of the home; a son, Bob Willhite, and his wife, Debra, of Rolla, Missouri; a daughter, Debi Alleger, and her husband, Jack, of Strafford, Missouri; a daughter, Elaine Van Noy, and her husband, John, of Springfield, Missouri; a son, Don Willhite, and his wife, Debbie, of Roby, Missouri; a daughter, Penny Morrison, and her husband, Kevin, of Lynchburg, Missouri; a daughter, Nancy Grisham, of Arlington, Texas; thirteen grandchildren, Josh, Becky, Dan, Max, Carrie, Jeff, Jim, Sarah, Heather, MacKenzie, Jack, Reagan, and Madison; twenty-three great-grandchildren, Cia, Audra, Silas, Pandora, Beatrix, Felix, Penelope, Ben, Brina, Blake, Allison, Dylan, Logan, Isabella, Leah, Kingston, Landon, Hayden, Cash, Myles, Kipp, Scout, and Lincoln; one great-great-grandchild, Emma Marie; a sister, Fern Weber, of Houston, Missouri; a brother, Howard Willhite, of Katy, Texas; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Dale was born and raised in Plato. After graduating from high school, he served two years in the United States Air Force. After returning from Washington State, he asked Bonnie Spencer out on a date and they married on December 28, 1951. Dale and Bonnie made their home in the Plato area, and lovingly raised their family. Dale was employed as a carpenter and a cook on Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In 1964, he began his employment with Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association until he retired in 1988.
Dale was saved at an early age and attended Plato Christian Church and Roby Christian Church.
He enjoyed attending Plato High School sporting events, especially baseball and basketball. He loved Cardinal baseball, community fish fries, and hanging out with friends at Walt’s. Dale loved mowing his yard and taking his grandkids on rides. His family was very important to him, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dale was a loving husband, a great dad, an awesome grandpa, and the best neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life, his legacy and know that he will be remembered fondly and with a smile by those blessed to know and love him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Embree Dutch Chapel Cemetery.
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