Benjamin J Dale

PEKIN ~ Benjamin J. Dale, 35, of Pekin, passed away at 5:07 a.m. Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at his residence surrounded by his loving family and furbabies. He courageously battled brain cancer for 3 years and 3 months.

Born May 16, 1978 in Peoria to Gary and Marilyn (McKinney) Dale, he married Autumn Barclay on September 1, 2001 in Pekin. Ben and Autumn were High School sweethearts together for 19 years and happily married for 12 years.

Surviving are his wife; one daughter, Willow age 11, at home; his mother of Pekin; and two brothers; Travis Dale and Thomas Dale, both of Pekin. He is also survived by a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephew and close friends that loved him.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

Ben last worked in 2010, as a diesel mechanic at G & D Integrated.

Ben had an amazing gift and was an excellent guitar player, playing since he was 12 years old and also playing for several local bands. He had an awesome mechanically inclined mind, always fixing on something. And he followed his father’s footsteps by building his own motorcycle which he loved to ride. He also loved riding his four wheeler and racing too. A natural born outdoorsman, Ben enjoyed fishing all year round, shooting, and archery. He was happiest spending time with family, friends and especially his daughter. Ben will be remembered as a very kind, loving, compassionate son, husband, father, and friend.

Ben’s Celebration of Life will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2013 at the Marine Corps League at 13370 Garman Rd. in Pekin, IL. All are welcome to help us celebrate Ben’s life! Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mark Linder Walk for the Mind for local brain cancer research and trials, P.O. Box 5522, Peoria, IL 61601.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com