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Obituary : Dale E. Retherford |
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Dale E. Retherford May 4, 1920 - June 3, 2009 Resident of San Mateo Cherished
husband of 58 years, father of two, grandfather of six, and great-grandfather of
one, Dale Retherford passed away peacefully at home June 3, 2009 after 89 years
of a life well-lived. He will always be remembered as a humble man who exhibited
integrity throughout his life. Dale was the youngest of four sons. Born in
Indianapolis, he grew up in several towns in both Indiana and Illinois. He
attended the University of Illinois for two years, then enlisted in the Army in
1941, but was rejected due to eyesight; two months later he was drafted into the
Army Air Corps and he spent the next four years in uniform in tents, in the
jungles, and on the beaches of the South Pacific. Upon discharge in 1945, he
re-enrolled in U of I, and graduated with a degree in Business and Accounting.
He met the love of his life, Florence Nelson while playing volleyball in the gym
at First Presbyterian Church Chicago, and married her on Oct. 14, 1950. He
enjoyed working as an executive accountant for over 45 years for Pure Oil/Union
Oil/Unocal in Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles, before retiring in 1985.
Fifteen years ago, he and Flo convinced themselves they should move to San Mateo
to be near family. They joined First Presbyterian Church where Dale greatly
enjoyed serving in a variety of ways, and where they made many wonderful
friends. Dale is survived by his wife, Florence; son David Retherford and wife
Jessica (Alexandria, VA), their children Shana (husband David Johnson, son
Ward), Drew, Graham and Clay; daughter Lois Darbonne and husband Walter (San
Mateo), their children Adam and Dave; and his beloved Papillon dog, Patsy. A
memorial service and Witness to the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, June
6 at Noon at First Presbyterian Church San Mateo. The family requests that in
lieu of flowers, a donation be made to Sutter VNA & Hospice, 700 S.
Claremont Ave. Suite 220, San Mateo, CA 94402.
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