Dale A. Bainbridge

1932 - 2018

Dale A. Bainbridge 1932—2018
Dale A. Bainbridge, 86, of Rockton, IL died at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 11, 2018 in Medina Manor surrounded by his family and friends. Dale was born on January 31, 1932, in Harrison Township, Winnebago County, IL. He was the son of Stanley and Elsie (Nichols) Bainbridge. He graduated from Hononegah High School (class of 1950). After high school, Dale followed the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He served during the Korean Conflict and acted as the personal driver for the Colonel. During his service, Dale forged lifelong friendships and created unforgettable memories that became the bedrock for some of his most outstanding stories (though, every story he told was a gem). In 2015, Dale (accompanied by his special nephew, Bill Bainbridge) was privileged to join the Veterans Honors Flight to Washington, DC. Dale worked as a farmer for most of his life. When he finally put his farming days behind him, he joined the staff of Barbara Olson Center for Hope where he worked for 20 years until his retirement in 2008. He was a member of the Antique Tractor Association and the Masons. Dale loved to keep busy. He always enjoyed the meditative practice of taking the tractor out to mow. He spent hours working on projects with his son-in-law, Kevin. Whether it was improvements he could make to his walker or making walking sticks, Dale had the ability to see opportunities for improvement everywhere he went. Dale will be remembered for his warm smile, kind heart and the compassion he had for people. He loved music and had no problem belting out a random tune or sharing a story. His genuine kindness has touched so many lives. Survivors include his daughter Stacy (Kevin) Clay; son Douglas (Bobbie) Bainbridge; grandchildren Steven (Mary Kate Miller) Clay and Samantha Clay; sister Virginia (Ray) Lightfoot, several nieces and nephews, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Terry Dale Bainbridge Soo, brother Sidney Bainbridge and Etta (Coleman) Bainbridge, mother of their children and wife of 36 years. Special thanks to the staff and residents of Medina Nursing Center for their care, kindness, and friendship.
Memorial ceremonies will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 20, 2018, in McCorkle Funeral Home- Rockton Chapel, 767 N Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton, IL with Pastor Dan Herman, pastor of Old Stone Church officiating. The final resting place will be in Owen Center Township Cemetery. Cremation rites will be accorded. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until time of ceremonies on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dale's honor to the Barbara Olson Center for Hope, Rockford, IL or to the family for a scholarship, which will be determined at a later date. To share a memory or send an on line condolence, visit www.mccorklefuneralhome.com