CW4 (Ret) Dale F. Just passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, December 3rd, 2012. He was born in Kearney, Nebraska to Stephen and Stella (Olson) Just on March 14th, 1928. In July of 1955, he married Janine Mesmin in La Rochelle, France.
After graduating from Elm Creek High School in Elm Creek, Nebraska, Dale enlisted in the National Guard, and after 3 years of service enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his distinguished 30 year career, Dale served tours of duty in Korea in 1961 and Vietnam in 1968. He was also stationed in Louisiana, Kansas, France and Germany serving in various capacities with the CID and the Staff Judge Advocate. In 1973, he was transferred to Ft. Hood to the Headquarters III Corps Staff Judge Advocate Offices where he served until his retirement in 1983. While serving his country, Dale was decorated with numerous awards and medals, some of which include the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Stars, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medals, and four Army Commendation Medals.
From 1983 to 1990, Dale served as the Executive Director of the Bell County Citizens DWI Task Force. He took great pride in helping educate the public regarding the hazards of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and driver safety. He retired from the State of Texas after spending five years working with the Department of Corrections. Dale also worked at the Kmart in Killeen. He greatly enjoyed and appreciated the friendships he fostered over the course of his lifetime.
He was a Nebraska farm boy who grew into an avid Texas gardener, spending many hours nurturing his vegetables. He enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, building things, working on cars, and in his earlier years was an expert bowler, an expert roller skater and proud Harley Davidson enthusiast. He also volunteered as the groundskeeper at the Browns Cemetery near his home. More than anything, Dale enjoyed spending time with his family and his best four-legged friend, Baron.
He was a past Treasurer of the VFW Post 9192, and a member the Area Veterans Advisory Committee (AVAC), and The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), The DAV Chapter 29 and previously served on the board of The Second Chance Animal Shelter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister LaDonna Brame, and his niece Dona McGee.
Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Janine Mesmin Just; three daughters, Michelle Just and husband Ted Linder of Austin, Caroline Just of Austin, Nadine Just and husband Lloyd Leppo, Jr. of Kempner; two sons, Philip Just of Austin, Patrick Just and wife Catherine of Greenville, Tx; four grandchildren, Justin Linder, Zach Bakker, Gregory Just and Nicholas Just; brother Jerry Just and wife Carolyn of Elm Creek, Nebraska and nephews Randy Brame, Steve Just and Mike Just.
Dale will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, December 7th from 10am-noon at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen followed by a memorial service in the Chapel at Crawford-Bowers. Inurnment will be at 1pm at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery with full Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the American Cancer Society or The Second Chance Animal Shelter in Killeen or an organization of your choice.
Please share condolences with the Just family by visiting www.crawfordbowersfuneralhome.com
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