Thompson, Dale Obituary

Thompson, Dale attended Horace Mann High School in Gary, IN. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Thompson, Dale.

Graduation Year	Class of 1957
Date of Passing	Mar 27, 2018
About	Dale Burnam Thompson, 1938 - 2018. Dale left this Earth to run with the buffalo on March 27 in Springfield, Missouri. Born in Gary, Indiana, Dale was raised by his father Lloyd Thompson and extended family including his beloved and fearsome aunts Bee and Betty. Although his family might not have appeared traditional, he learned from a young age that family is who you choose to love and care for and has always been, and continues to be, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He chooses family above all else. He is remembered as Dale, Honey, Dad, Daddy, Papa, Mr. Thompson and a nickname given to him by his grandfather that, although befitting, is not appropriate to share here. He was a champion back-stroke swimmer while attending Horace-Mann High School and carried that talent with him when enlisting in the United States Navy. While serving the country he loved, he swam on the Navy swim team, worked as an aircraft mechanic on an aircraft carrier, then spent most of his service working with the Lighter Than Air Squadron at NAS Moffett Field, California. During Dale's last year of service, he met the love of his life, Nadine Elizabeth Wareham. The two were married in the chapel on base. He wore his Dress Blues, "crackerjacks," and she carried white roses. Dale often gifted white roses to Nadine for birthdays, anniversaries, and any ordinary day during their 57 years of marriage. Dale and Nadine continued to live and raise their children in the San Francisco Bay Area. After the Navy, he attended the Sikorsky Service School, then worked for SFO Helicopter Airlines. After the airline went out of business, he re-educated himself at College of Alameda and worked for Bay Area Rapid Transit until retiring. For most of his working years, Dale worked third, then second shift, as he provided for the family he loved. He had the soul of an explorer and spent much time camping with family in Yosemite, Siskyou, and the Gold Country of the Sierra Nevada. He kept a neat campground with a red and white checked cloth on the camp picnic table which he called the Happy Camper table cloth. He was always the first one up in the morning heating water for a cup of instant coffee excited to take a slow, quiet float around the lake with his daughter Kelly. Dale's work never deterred him from attending all of his children's activities and events. He spent many hours cheering for his son, Daniel, during baseball games and Special Olympic events, often serving as a hugger to all at the finish line. Dale and Danny enjoyed Friday nights at the race track and mornings at the local coffee shop making friends and chatting the hours away. They were buddies. He was known as Dad to dozens of Girl Scouts and band kids spending many years as a dedicated volunteer Girl Scout leader and lumper for his daughter's high school band. Our family grew as he loved and mentored young people who became part of his chosen family. Girl Scout daughter, Penny Grubbs Stone, has been a cherished and loved member of the family for 50 years. When Dale made a friend, he made a friend for life. Dale and Nadine followed their hearts and moved to Springfield, Missouri after retirement to be an active part of their granddaughter, Elizabeth Evelyn Anthony's, life. Designated Papa days consisted of after school zoo visits, swimming jaunts, and taco eating. More than once, the two were caught in rain showers while driving in Papa's bright red Jeep named for his precious granddaughter, Lil' Twirp. Dale and Elizabeth had many adventures building teepees in the backyard, cuddling on the buffalo robe, and playing at the local park. He loved her fiercely and unconditionally. Buffalo, the Wild West, U.S. History, the Civil War, politics, and all things transportation were clearly his passion as evidenced by his personal library. The America Bison was of special interest to Dale and dozens of buffalo figurines along with buffalo art hang out in his office along with a genuine buffalo robe and other Native American artifacts. Dale spent the last few years of his life at a skilled nursing facility where mischief seemed to follow him wherever he went. Known to sneak the dark chocolate chips from the baking cupboard at home, those around him were careful to guard their chocolate stash. We have seen more than a couple of empty candy wrappers fall from his wheelchair as he wheels himself down the hall. He was also known to snag a cleaning cart, dragging it a few feet down the hall, then wait to see the housekeeper's response. Always a joker, many young people, over the years, have fallen prey to his practical stunts. Dale left a legacy that cannot be measured. He lived every day of his life to its fullest always giving to others his affection, unconditional love, sense of humor, and courage. He was a hero to many. If you knew him, you felt valued. If you knew him, you were precious to him. Goodbye for now, Daddy. May you forever run with the buffalo. "The mountains are calling and I must go." ~ John Muir It is Dale's wish to have his ashes scattered in the place he loves most - Yosemite Valley. Memorial donations may be made to American Prairie Reserve or The Nature Conservancy. Published in the News-Leader on Apr. 1, 2018