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Dale D. Hawes, Sr., age 79, of Greenville, passed away Saturday afternoon, November 14, 2009 at his home under the loving care of his family.

The son of Richard Daniel & Ena Belle (Slentz) Hawes, he was born on Feb. 27, 1930 in Kalamazoo and was a 1949 graduate of Greenville High School.

A veteran of the Korean War, Dale proudly served with the U.S. Army and was a life member of the Lester J. Sitts VFW Post 5065 in Sheridan, as well as the Ray I. Booth American Legion Post 101 in Greenville where he had served as Sergeant-at-Arms and organized the funeral honors detail for many years in addition to volunteering at countless fish frys.

Following his discharge from the service, Dale returned to Greenville where he worked delivering milk for Blandings Dairy as well as driving school bus for Greenville Public Schools.

On Oct. 30, 1964, in Stanton, he married the former Julia (Lintz) Hansen. In 1992, Dale retired from the Fisher Body Division of General Motors in Lansing, where he worked for 25 years as a repairman. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge, the United Auto Workers, and enjoyed fishing and hunting but found his greatest joy in his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law, Allan VanLeeuwen; and a granddaughter, Mari Hawes.

Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Julia Hawes of Greenville; his daughters, Cheryl & Kim Merritt of Greenville, Karen & Biff Harris of Morley, Brenda & Ron Tipton, Michelle & Jeff Bannen, Carol & Steve Rittersdorf, all of Greenville; his sons, Dan Hawes of Greenville and Tom Hawes of Rochester; 21 grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Elaine VanLeeuwen of Portage; siblings-in-law, Edna Denman, Dorance Lintz, Marzee Basil, Don & Connie Maness, Marshall Lintz, and Nitabelle Lintz; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation is Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Christiansen Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 511 S. Franklin Street , Greenville, where funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Dales nephew, Rev. Jim Maness will officiate and burial, with full military honors, will follow at East Montcalm Cemetery.

Envelopes for memorial contributions to American Legion Honor Guard are available at the funeral home. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Dales online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please click the “Sign Guest Book” link above.


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  1. Anonymous on November 14, 2009 at 12:00 am

    Guestbook

    11/18/2009 –

    Amy Mikek
    Michelle, I am so sorry to read about your Dad. Know that I’m thinking of you and your family at this very sad time. Love, Amy

    11/18/2009 –

    Karen(Hamilton)Weeks
    Dear Julia and family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss of Dale, he was such a great guy. I will always remember the weekend that you included me in a visit to a cottage on Lake George. I had such a good time. And whenever I would run into Dale he was always so happy to see me, it always made me feel good. I hope that your memories provide some comfort to you all. Love, Karen(Hamilton)Weeks

    11/17/2009 –

    Rocky, Joanne, Morgan Reynolds
    11/17/2009 –

    Phillip & Jackie Bannen
    We were loving friends with Dale & Julie for many years. We shared a lot of good times together that we will never forget.
    Love Phil & Jackie Bannen

    11/17/2009 –

    sharon christensen
    Dear Julie and Family, I was saddend to hear of Dale’s passing. I remember how much fun Roger and I would have with the two of you on Sunday afternoons at the Legion. Stay strong it is always hard to loose our loved one but I will tell you that it does become bearable. Talk about him often and keep his memory alive. Again you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Peace and God’s Blessings, Sharon.

    11/16/2009 –

    Dennis Helmer
    Dear Julie, and family Linda and I want to say how sorry we are at the lost of Dale. Dale and I were the best of friends while we both worked at fisher body. I can still remember the quick trip him and I made one weekend. Dale was one of my best friends. Our prayers go out to you and the whole family at this time. Dennis Linda Helmer Leesburg, Florida

    11/16/2009 –

    Sandy Smith
    Julie, Breanda, Michelle and Family.
    I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughs and prayers are with you at this time. Dale was a great man with a great laugh. Sorry we have lost touch after moving away. Charish the memories.
    Your old kiddie corner neighbor. Sandy Smith

    11/16/2009 –

    Greenville Moose Lodge
    The Greenville Men and Women of the Moose send our deepest sympathies.

    11/16/2009 –

    Deb
    My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.

    11/16/2009 –

    Paul and Deb Skarl
    Our deepest sympthy to all of you. Wanting you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

    11/16/2009 –

    Chuck and Jean Smith
    So sorry for your loss. We will miss him, he has given us many fond memories of him. He was a great friend and neighbor. May God bless and comfort you.

    11/16/2009 –

    charles and Barbara Lintz
    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He was a great man

    11/16/2009 –

    charles and Barbara Lintz
    11/15/2009 –

    Dave and Kathy Merritt
    To the family of Dale,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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