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 20, at McGilley State Line Chapel, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, September 21, 10:30 a.m., in Arnold Cemetery, Arnold, KS. As one of four children, Dale was raised a country boy who developed a strong reliable work ethic, who demonstrated neighborly generosity and kindness and who 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 seventeen. Influenced by the unexpected loss of his mother at age eleven, his Dad's remarriage, and the enlistment of his inseparable cousins, Dale to 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 '50s; coached and refereed basketball and 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 remarried 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 his 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 set backs. 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. Dale is preceded in death by his wife, Vivian; by Lorine Butterfield, the mother 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, 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. Condolences may be left on line at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Garden Terrace or KC Hospice. M
Published in Kansas City Star on September 18, 2010