Kenneth Dale Whitlock

Kenneth Dale Whitlock, 87, of Springfield passed away on Tuesday November 24, 2015 at his residence. He was born on July 31, 1928 in Coffeen, IL., to Harry Arthur and Bertie Kimbro Whitlock. Dale married Helen Floyd Beal of Hillsboro, Ill on April 20, 1951 at the Methodist Church of Hillsboro, IL., and she survives.

Mr. Whitlock is also survived by six nieces and nephews: Judy (Al) Bertram of Cookeville, TN., Steve (Norma) Whitlock of Wood River, IL., Mark (Karen) Whitlock of Springfield, Becky (Sam) Decesaro of Decatur, David (Martha) Whitlock of Springfield, and Drew (Karen) Whitlock of Gillespie, several great-nieces and nephews including: Michael (Jane) Smith of Hillsboro, Aaron (Julie) Whitlock of Chatham, Geoff (Jennifer) Whitlock and Emily Whitlock both of St. Louis. He was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters: Dwight, Denver, Mary, Thelma, Jake, and William Earl Whitlock, Nelma Calame, and Wilma Sharp, and one great-nephew Douglas Nelson Whitlock.

Dale grew up in and attended school in Coffeen, IL, as well as Greenville College.He was also a US Army Veteran serving in Germany during the Korean Conflict. In 1964 he founded Structural Rubber Products with his brother Jake and retired in 2003. Dale was an animal lover who enjoyed trail riding his horses Joker, Joe, and Rusty with his wife Helen and his Boston Terrier Dolly. He also loved his two cats Bobby Boy and Baby Girl.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00pm on Thursday December 3, 2015 at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Road, with a graveside service to follow at 3:00pm at Shiloh Cemetery in Coffeen, IL. The family will meet friends from 4-7pm Wednesday at Bisch West. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Baptist Church, Knox Knolls Free Methodist Church, the Animal Protective League, or a charity of your choice, and please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.