Thomas "Dale" Willman

Thomas “Dale” Willman, December 8, 1918-June 26, 2019 Thomas “Dale” Willman passed away peacefully on June 26, 2019 at Hamilton Trace Skilled Nursing Facility in Fishers, Indiana. Dale was born December 8, 1918 to Thomas E. and M. Grace (Miles) Willman in North Vernon, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Marilyn Willman Faulkner, his first wife, Jeanne Schrader Willman, and his second wife, Lee Harris Willman. He is survived by his daughter Linda and husband, Dr. Frank Field of Texas, his granddaughter, Cynthia and husband, Patrick Ward of Texas, and his grandson Martin and wife, Shannon Field of Michigan, his four great-grandchildren – Genavieve Ward, Rhyse Ward, Aiden Field, and Naomi Field, two nieces and one nephew, Deborah Spittal of Arizona, Kristen Osumi of California, and Kevin Faulkner of Colorado, and several great nieces. Dale was a life-long resident of the Indianapolis area. He graduated from Arsenal Tech High School in 1936, attended Butler University, and graduated from Indiana University in 1940, Bachelor of Science in Business. After graduating from IU, he worked for Vicks Chemical Co. before entering the US Navy, as a 1st Lieutenant, Navy Pilot, stationed in the Pacific during WW II. After WW II, he remained in the Naval Reserves until 1965. Upon returning to Indianapolis after WW II, Dale worked for Indianapolis Rubber Stamp Co. as production manager until his retirement in the 1980’s. Throughout his working career, he had many other interests such as professional ballroom dance instructor and civilian pilot instructor. Dale was also involved for many years in the following organizations: 1) Indiana Freemason Hamilton Lodge #533, 2) Indianapolis Scottish Rite, and 3) Continental and Starlight Dance Clubs. One might say Dale was a man of many interests and talents. Besides his work career, he was always an IU fan – especially basketball. Other interests included organizing and performing for special dance events, playing bongo drums, gardening, and caring for his animals – both cats and dogs. At this time, US Navy Military services are scheduled at Vernon Cemetery, Vernon, Indiana for Saturday, August 31st at 11 a.m. Those attending the service are invited to a reception immediately afterwards to be held at the Calli House, 408 S. State St. (Hwy.3/7), in North Vernon, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your charity of choice in Dale’s memory. The family also wishes to thank all the friends and neighbors who assisted in his care. These people are angels on earth that surround us in our daily lives making the world a better place to live.

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Thomas "Dale" Willman

December 8, 1918 - June 26, 2019