Dale Mowery

Dale E. Mowery, 92, of Tamms, Illinois passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Wednesday evening. He was born October 31, 1925 at home in northern Alexander County to the late Verno and Iola (Keller) Mowery. Dale was the second of three children. As a child he walked to the two-room Dexter School and then attended Anna-Jonesboro High School. He went on to graduate from Ullin High School where he transferred due to gas rationing during World War II. Dale married his bride Suella (Jordan) Mowery on June 2, 1948. They made their home on Valley View Farm where Dale was born, in a home they built, in 1953 before welcoming their only daughter Joyce. Married almost 70 years, their strong and faithful bond was apparent to all who knew the couple. Dale was a lifelong farmer who perfected his craft alongside his father and brother from an early age. He partnered with his brother in the dairy business before moving to a cattle and grain operation in the 1980’s. Dale was the fourth generation trustee of land that was homesteaded by his great-grandfather in 1841. He and Sue were proud that Valley View Farms has remained in the family and was designated an Illinois Centennial Farm in 1978 and an Illinois Sesquicentennial Farm in 2001. As a farmer, Dale’s guiding philosophy was to “Leave the land in better shape than you found it.” He promoted his love of farming and care for the land by serving for 15 years as chairman of the Pulaski-Alexander Soil and Water Conservation District. He was actively involved in the Pulaski-Alexander Farm Bureau and also served on the Southern FS Board. Dale was named Master Farmer in 1984 by Prairie Farmer magazine, recognizing his community service and innovative conservation practices. Faith was an important part of Dale’s life, and he was a dedicated member of his church. In addition to being in attendance every Sunday, he also served as treasurer and a trustee at Beech Grove. When Beech Grove merged with another church, Dale joined with local community leaders to raise money to build a new facility for the congregation. He then volunteered his time and labor to build Cross Road United Methodist Church in Ullin. Honor, integrity and being of service were values Dale lived his life by. Dale was known as a man of his word. In times of need both family and community knew he was someone who could be counted on for help. It was important to Dale that these values were passed along to his great grandchildren and future generations. Over the years the family has been told many times that if Dale Mowery gave you his word, you could rest assured knowing he would follow through. Loving survivors include his wife, Suella of Tamms; daughter Joyce Crews and husband Mike of Jonesboro; sister Laverne Anderson of Fulton, Missouri; granddaughter Jordan Edmonds and husband Tyler of Anna; grandson, Matthew Smith of Tamms; great-grandchildren Trevor Smith, Adeline Edmonds and Graydon Edmonds; and many close nieces nephews and cousins who were dear to his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Welden Mowery of Tamms. A service will be held at Cross Road United Methodist Church in Ullin on Sunday, May 13 at 3PM with Rev. Alan Milligan officiating. A visitation will precede the service beginning at 1PM. Interment will be private at a later time at St. John’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Road United Methodist Church or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the church. Crain Funeral Home in Tamms is in charge of arrangements.

Dale Mowery

October 31, 1925 - May 9, 2018