E. Dale Fenton

Visitation for will be held Friday, October 11, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W in Columbia. The funeral service will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in St. Louis online at donate.lovetotherescue.org or via mail to Shriners Children’s Hospital St. Louis, Attn: Office of Philanthropy, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110.

Born April 3, 1935 to Hartley Banks (HB) Fenton and Mora Phillippe Fenton in Boone County, Missouri, Dale dedicated his life to innovation and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew him.

Dale's entrepreneurial spirit led him to create numerous inventions that improved the lives of many. His passion for problem-solving was matched only by his love for his family. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he cherished every moment spent with his loved ones, imparting wisdom and warmth to all.

Throughout his life, Dale traveled extensively, forming lasting friendships across the nation. He had a unique ability to connect with people, and his kindness and generosity touched everyone he met.

Dale is survived by his loving wife Wanda (Barnes) Fenton of 65 years, his three daughters Roxane (Mike) Hammer, Kara (Michael) Hunt and Dalene (Tim) Killday; a sister, Helen Graves; six grandchildren, Zachary (Nikki) Hunt, Kelsi (Chris) Peuster, Carli (Robert) Wilson, Jacob Killday, Jackson Killday and Makenzie Killday; eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, all of whom will remember him for his boundless love and encouragement. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but his legacy of innovation and love will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hartley Banks (HB) Fenton and Mora Phillippe Fenton, along with his siblings: Nelson Fenton, Ralph Fenton (Evelyn), Bill Graves, Donald Fenton (Sue), Carl Fenton (Betty), and his grandson, Brian Hammer.

Thank you for your steadfast commitment to this family. Thank you for being the pick yourself up, dust off your perfectly pressed pants, and get to work kind of patriarch this family was so proud to be led by. Thank you for your support and your love. Not many men could be as tender and as tough at the same time. Not flawless, but perfect in our eyes. Rest easy, until we hug again…. then it’s happy hour.