Dale Alden Hollingsworth

     Dale Alden Hollingsworth, age 85, originally of Sheridan, Indiana, passed away on Saturday morning, June 13, 2020 at Hamilton Trace in Fishers, Indiana.  Born March 1, 1935 in Sheridan, he was the son of the late Raymond Dale and Lenore June (Spurgeon) Hollingsworth-Deakyne.

     Growing up, Dale loved playing basketball and continued playing through his high school career.  After graduating from Sheridan with the Class of 1954, Dale's interests turned toward aviation.  He quickly acquired his pilot's license and started flying single engine aircraft.  His passion and attention to detail led him to take a job at the Sheridan Airport.  From 1955-1960 he worked as a pilot, as well as an aircraft mechanic and fabricator.  In 1960, Dale decided to go into business for himself; he left the airport and started Alden's Body Shop.  For half a century Dale, or Alden as many people knew him, worked on just about everything - starting out in his garage, then owning a couple of other shops around town through the years.  From autobody work, to engine work, to people just bringing their truck out as an excuse to stop by and shoot the breeze, all comers were welcome.

     Dale wasn't all work and no play.  He loved fishing and going out on the boat.  Over the years Dale had several pontoon boats and never missed a chance to take his family and friends out cruising on the water.  Dale was also an avid mushroom hunter.  Every year in the early spring he was the first one out in the woods, scared to death that someone was going to beat him to his secret spots.  As the years started to catch up to Dale, his favorite pastime became watching sports.  He loved the Colts and the Pacers, but nothing could top IU Basketball. 

He was a member of the Sheridan First Christian Church, the Sheridan Jaycees, and the Rotary Club of Sheridan.

 

Dale is survived by:

son
Douglas William Hollingsworth (Margaret) of Sheridan

daughters
Debra A. Hollingsworth of Anderson
Connie S. Meinders of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Kathleen M. Valasek of Fishers

stepson
Delbert Blanton of Kokomo

stepdaughters
Pamela Young (Max) of Kokomo
Deborah McLouth (John) of Indianapolis
Shelia Hensler (Jim) of Kokomo

9 grandchildren

12 great grandchildren

1 great-great grandchild

brother
Stuart J. Deakyne (Susanna) of California

and many nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by

his parents
Raymond Dale and Lenore June (Spurgeon) Hollingsworth-Deakyne

his brother
Robert M. Hollingsworth

his step daughter
Sharon (Blanton) Stoller.

and by his wife, Shirley A. (Blanton) Hollingsworth in 2013.  She and Dale were married in 1995.

Private family services will be held. 

 

Dale will be laid to rest at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan, Indiana. 

Pastor V.J. Stover will be officiating.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the American Diabetes Association.

 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kercheval Funeral Home in Sheridan.