Dale Junior Quillen was born on July 7, 1926 in Oberlin, Kansas to the late, James Barton and Vera E. (Ellis) Quillen. At a young age the family moved to Norton, Kansas. Shortly after the move there was no work; so the family moved again. Traveling by covered wagon, his father worked as a Blacksmith along the road to Sterling, Colorado, where they lived for a short time. The family moved to Beaver City, Kansas. His father became ill shortly thereafter and passed away. Dale was one of four children, older sister Fern, and two younger brothers: Marion and James (who was born after his dad died). After the death of his father, the family returned to Sterling, Colorado. Dale moved to Ft. Collins, Colorado. His mother, Vera met and later married, Orval Pettit who took care of the family from then on.
Dale entered the United States Navy on June 29, 1944. His mother was not excited about his desire to serve in the Navy. Dale was in the Asiatic Pacific at the time that the Atomic Bomb was detonated. He served on the USS Collingsworth until he was honorably discharged on Feb 19, 1946. After he returned from the military, Dale went to work driving trucks for various companies.
In 1947, Dale moved to Denver for a job opportunity. He moved into a one room apartment where he met Elsie M. Rice, they were married three months later on the 23rd of November. They couple lived in various locations and worked various jobs together and separately. While Dale was working for the Slumberger Company, he was transferred to Farmington, New Mexico. Dale and Elsie adopted four children, the oldest was 6 years: Sharon, Norman, Ginger and Kenneth. Dale was transferred back to Denver. Dale enjoyed leading a Boy Scout troop; they had many adventures including a trip to the Four Corners. Later, Dale went to work for the City and County of Denver. He worked there many years until retirement. Dale and Elsie spent much of their retirement traveling with their grandkids. They also enjoyed serving others with a Food Program they ran for 10 years. The couple focused on distributing food to Seniors that are shut in’s and needy individuals throughout the area.
Dale is preceded in death by: his father, James Barton Quillen, his mother, Vera Quillen Pettit; his brothers: Marion and James; his older sister Fern, and his step-father Orval Pettit. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 70 years Elsie Quillen; their children: Sharon, Norman, Ginger and Kenneth; grandchildren: Lisa, Jonathan, Melony, Andrea, Larry, April, Jeremiah, Jason and Chantille; great grandchildren: Summer, Denise, Gabby, Antonio, Elijah, Rebecca, Maddox, Katherine, Annalieh, Connal, and Sawyer; 12 great great grandchildren and many friends.
Fond memories of Dale and expressions of sympathy for his family may be shared at the guest book below.
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