Dale Cleveland Caraway passed away April 15, 2018 at the age of 86 in Hamilton, Texas. Dale was born in Energy Texas, to Beverly Ofer Caraway and Juanita Lee Jones Caraway. He attended schools in Gustine through eighth grade and graduated from Hamilton High School in 1949. He met his sweetheart, Barbara Gregory in 1954. They were married on January 21, 1956 and joyfully shared 62 years together. They were blessed with two children, Beverly Dale and Brent Lee.
Dale began his career at Alexander Moulding Mill beginning in 1949. He then served in the U.S. Army for two years before returning to the moulding mill.
He worked there 53 years until his retirement in June 2002.
Dale joined First Baptist Church in Hamilton as a teenager and was a devoted member and servant there for the remainder of his life. He was an Ordained Deacon and then Deacon Emeritus. He served his church as an offering counter for more than 50 years, worked on the lawn care teams, and was instrumental in creating the church’s Easter pageant set. Dale was a skilled craftsman and enjoyed rescuing and refurbishing many pieces at First Baptist Church.
Making wooden dominoes was a favorite way to pass time in his retirement. He also enjoyed collecting Heisey glassware. He was a past member of the Hamilton Jaycees and a current member of
both the Heisey Collectors of Texas and America.
A man of few words, Dale was known and respected for his gentle spirit and kindness and was loved by many.
He was preceded in death by, his only grandson, Blake Nelson Goerdel, parents, sister, Rita Nell Elliott, brother, Wade Nelson Caraway, father and mother-in-law: C.D. and Vada Lee Gregory, and
nieces, JoAnne Curb and Judy Adcock.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Caraway, daughter, Beverly and husband Brett Rohde of Hamilton, son, Brent Caraway, of Shallowater, granddaughter, Meghan and husband Cody Wagner of Brenham, great-grandsons, Caellum Blake and Nolyn David and Baby Girl Wagner, due in August. Also surviving are his nephew, Donnie and wife Cindy Elliott of Burleson, niece, Jane and husband Richard Glaser of Colorado, and numerous other relatives and friends.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Hamilton Roof Fund.
