COLUMBIA CITY – Dale E. Eakright, 73, formerly of Columbia City, died at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, at Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw, where he was admitted on Nov. 16, 2020.
He was born May 31, 1947, in Wabash, a son of the late Omer and Mildred Cherry Eakright. As a young boy, the family moved to South Whitley, where he graduated from South Whitley High School in 1965.
On July 6, 1965, he entered the U.S. Air Force. Attaining the rank of sergeant, he received his honorable discharged on Dec. 17, 1968.
On Oct. 30, 1986, he married Sandra K. Bevington. They made their home in Columbia City. Sandra died on Dec. 24, 2015.
He was a career-long truck driver, driving local routes. He was a member of American Legion Post 98, Columbia City; Veterans of Foreign Wars 5582; and served as a past commander of the Honor Guard. He had belonged to the Pleasant View Church of the Brethren, South Whitley.
He enjoyed old westerns and following his favorite professional football team, the Indianapolis Colts, and college team, the Fighting Irish or Notre Dame.
He is survived by three sons: Michael Eakright, of Plainfield; Brian Behl, of Rockford, Ill.; and Douglas Behl, of Churubusco; stepchildren:?Christopher (Roxsann)?Carter, of Tri-Lakes; Mark Carter, of Columbia City; Patrick (Amy) Carter, of Churubusco; Michael (Cindy) Carter, of Lebanon, Pa.; and Anna (Todd) Reimer, of Warsaw; seven grandchildren; seven stepgrandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and sisters: Ellen Tolson and Nancy Overbay, both of Pierceton. Additionally, he was preceded in death by a brother, Tony Eakright.
The funeral service is 3 p.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation is 1 p.m. until the service at the funeral home.
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Memorials in Dale’s honor are to Disabled Veterans.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.
