Dale Francis Smith

Dale F. Smith of Visalia passed away August 7, 2011. He was born September 19, 1916 in his parent’s home in rural Illinois. He was retired from the lumber industry. He worked for Central Lumber in Hanford and Lemoore as well as Bernie Barber and Associates in Fresno.

Dale loved to fly and earned his private pilot’s license at an early age. He enlisted in the Army just before the start of WWII and within a year began his flight training. Upon completion, he received his commission and quickly became type-rated in many aircraft, including the P-38 and P-39. Dale was stationed throughout the West and often acted as a test pilot. After the war, he was in the Air Force Reserve until 1956.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department, and St. Paul’s Anglican Church. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Laura Smith, brother Clifton Smith and wife Alma Smith. He is survived by four children: Eleanor Moseley (Harry) of Milwaukee, Wi.; George Rosenberger (Gayle) of San Luis Obispo, Ca., Gregory Smith (Rhonda) of Ramona, Ca.; and Dale Jr. (Debra) of Derby, Ks. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A blessing of the ashes will be held at the Visalia District Cemetery Pavilion on August 29th at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 120 N. Hall St, Visalia or to a charity of your choice.