Dale Coney, 87

Dale W. Coney, 87, of Lakeland, Fla., passed away on June 25, 2012. Dale was born Sept. 2, 1924 in Three Rivers to Albert and Goldie (Baker) Coney. Dale married Juanita “Jerry” Birch on Aug. 24, 1946. They resided in Three Rivers until 1981 when they moved to Milton, Fla. Dale lost the love of his life in 1997 when Jerry lost her battle with cancer. Dale then spent his winters in Lakeland and his summers in Michigan.

Dale worked for Armstrong Machine Works for more than 40 years. He was a volunteer fireman for the city of Three Rivers for 30 years. He was a past exalted ruler of the Elks. He graduated from Three Rivers High School. He was a very skilled carpenter and loved making and fixing things.

Dale is survived by his daughters, Barbara Powell, Joann (Steven) Coney-Essling and Mary Coney-Strecha; his grandchildren of whom he was very proud watching them all graduate from college, Sarah Powell, Carrie Powell, Seth (Dr. Carla) Essling, Lynn Coney-Essling and Katelynn (Rick) Tan; his great-grandchildren, Marcus Dale and Vivian Essling. Dale leaves behind a special cousin, Beverly Burnham. Dale was blessed to be an honorary “Granpa Dale” to many special people.

A memorial service celebrating Dale’s life will be held at the Three Rivers Elks Club on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 1 p.m. A luncheon will follow.

Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Dale may be sent to sessling@aol.com.

Memorials may be given to the Three Rivers Fire Department.