Dale H. Smithhisler
Dale H. Smithhisler, 90, of Butler, Ohio, died Sunday morning, February 19, 2017 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born June 11, 1926 in Knox County, the son of the late Ralph and Martha (Wolfe) Smithhisler. Dale worked 21 years as a crane operator for Cooper-Bessemer, Mohican Sand and Gravel Company, the Richland County Highway Department and as an equipment operator for Worthington Township.
On September 24, 1950 he married his sweetheart, Wanda Jean Harris..
In 1974 he moved to Nome and he began working for his cousin Donald Smithhisler at B&R Tug and Barge. In Alaska he also worked as an equipment operator for Martinson Gravel and Crane and with Local 302 Operators’ Union.
In 1996 he returned to Ohio where he owned and operated a backhoe, dozer and favorite dump truck “Bahama Mama.”
Dale loved having a good time, dancing, playing cards, pitching horse shoes, traveling in his motor home and enjoying his children and grandchildren. He was especially proud of his John Deere tractors and his classic cars, including a 1926 Ford Model T.
Dale is survived by three children: Barbara Moore of Fairbanks, AK, Judy (Doug) Martinson of Nome, AK, and Larry (Amy) Smithhisler of Butler; six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Wanda who died April 25, 1990, and his parents and his four siblings: Carl, Paul and Earl Smithhisler and Reda Robinson.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 24, 2017 at the Lindsey Funeral Home, Loudonville, with Nephew Biff Smithhisler officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Perrysville, Ohio.
