Lonnie Dale Shetler

Lonnie Dale Shetler joined this world on May 16, 1949. He was born to Roy Shetler and Mary Avo Simmons and a rambunctious family of ten children: Charles, Floyd, Don, Jerry, Garrett, Judy, Glenda, Mary Ann, Flora Mae and Vickie. Dale spent his early years in Cabool, Missouri where he and his little brother spent their time raiding goodies from the neighbor’s garden, sneaking into the neighbor’s house to take a bath with brand new indoor plumbing and generally tormenting their sisters’ boyfriends. Even in his early years he was a natural comedian and prankster. He attended Cabool High School. The family eventually moved to Pulaski County. It was here that Dale met Cora Mae Perrine and joined the military. Dale served for 3 years as a paratrooper with the 172nd Regiment in Anchorage, Alaska. Dale and Cora married at Old Friendship Baptist Church on October 10, 1969. Eventually, they too chose to settle in Pulaski County where they already had strong family connections. Dale served as Deacon at Center Point Baptist Church. There were two children born of this marriage: Jimmy Dale and Angela Dawn. Dale and Cora adopted their third child, Warren T. Dale worked Civil Service at Fort Leonard Wood in the equipment yards and the Engineer School. This is where he was able to explore his interest in mechanics, heavy equipment operations and facility management and operations. During this time he served as the union representative. He retired from his position with more than 20 years of service. After retirement Dale continued to keep busy. He served on the Water District. He also had a natural gift for tinkering. He loved to find beautiful old non-working clocks from yard sales or auctions. He would tinker with them, clean them and magically get them working once again. He applied these same skills and interests in restoring furniture and automobiles. He was an excellent poker player and enjoyed taking trips to Joplin and Boonville with Cora. Dale also enjoyed fishing and hunting. He took great pleasure in exploring his land - from his fish ponds to caves to trails to the abundant natural wildlife on the property. Dale most enjoyed doing his “Yircles”. This consisted of a near daily route he would take to visit those who needed visiting or checking up on those he felt needed checking on, and of course a stop to pick up some scratchers and to hang out at Butch’s garage. If there was someone who needed a hand, he was ready and generally asked for nothing more than a hug or a smile. Dale is survived by his wife, Cora of the home. His children: Jimmy Shetler of Dixon, MO, Angela Paterson and her husband Chris of St. Robert, MO and Warren Shetler of Waynesville, MO. Five siblings: Mary Ann Dorris of Huron, SD, Flora Mae Woody of Waynesville, MO, Glenda Millington of Republic, MO, Garrett Shetler of Medicine Lodge, KS and Jerry Shetler of Florida. Six grandchildren: Sophie Paterson of San Ramon, CA, Daman Shetler of Iberia, Dystany Shetler of Iberia, Zachary Shetler of Laquey, Emily Shetler of Dixon and Sebastien Paterson of St. Robert. Dale is also survived by a much loved circle of family and dear friends. The family has asked to continue Dale’s legacy by remembering your neighbors: be kind, be compassionate and help each other.

Lonnie Dale Shetler

May 16, 1949 - September 13, 2013