Dale Shelby Hooten passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010. He was 83 years old.
Dale was born May 3, 1927 to Clara Mae (Hugg) and John Shelby Hooten in Strawberry, AR.
Dale attended elementary schools in Strawberry and was a graduate of Egypt High School in Egypt, AR.
Dale was a WWII vet and after his discharge from the Navy he worked as a machinist at Rockford Ordnance Division in Rockford, IL for 11 years. In 1958 he moved to Fillmore where he worked in the Public Works Dept. for the City of Fillmore for 23 years. He retired from that position in 1981.
Dale enjoyed his time deep sea fishing, going to Santa Anita Park, Hollywood Park and OTB at the Ventura Fairgrounds for a day of playing the horses and spending time in Las Vegas and Laughlin. He also enjoyed getting his friends together for some friendly games of poker, and camping with friends and family each year at Silver Lake above Mammoth. Dale was also a longtime member of the Fillmore Club. Many days he would meet other members at the club for card games and just to visit with each other.
Dale was happiest when the house was full with his children and grandchildren. He would entertain us for hours with stories of his life. Most of them were true but he did enjoy exaggerating for the benefit of the grandchildren. We will all miss him telling his stories.
Dale is survived by Joan, his wife & companion of 33 years; son Allan of Ojai, CA, daughter Linda Kinsler of South Shore, KY; step-daughters Lori (Ray) Medrano and Diane Arnett both of Fillmore; brothers & sisters-in-law Thomas (Jeri) of Oak View, Ellis (Mae) of Walnut Ridge, AR, William Paul (Patsy) of Jonesboro, AR, Joe (Janet) of Victoria, TX; and sisters Barbara Alsup and Brenda Smith both of Fillmore; nine grandchildren Justin Hooten of Santa Paula, Jonathan Medrano of Davis, CA, Brandon Lloyd, Christopher Medrano, Bryanna Arnett and Bryan Arnett all of Fillmore, Amber Martin and Jessie Kinsler of South Shore, KY, and Angie Coldiron of Wheelersburg, OH; 2 great grandchildren Caleb Martin of South Shore, KY and Jamison Coldiron of Wheelersburg, OH and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clara Mae and John Shelby Hooten, sisters Verna Petrek, Maxine Huskey, Rose Marie Hooten and Linda Wilson.
The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to Louis Lovelace.
At Dale's request there will be no services.