Dale W. Neliton

With his loving family by his side, on May 25, 2013, Dale went to be with the Lord, after a two year battle with leukemia. He was a loving husband of 63 ½ years, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

He was born to Andrew J and Eula Bell (Ricketts) Neliton in Minco, OK, moving to the Salem area at 1 ½ years old. He lived in North Howell most of his young life. He met Mildred Hamrick at the Aumsville Grange dance on November 5, 1949 and they married 3 weeks later on November 27, 1949.

Dale loved racing and in the early years he drove a hardtop at the Salem Speedway and other tracks. After ulcers forced him to quit racing, he joined the push car association. In 1951, Dale and Millie moved to Lebanon, OR, where Dale worked as a Milkman for 5 years. After working and racing cars in Lebanon, they moved back to the Salem area, and in 1956 started D&O Garbage Service with his brother-in-law, Orey. In 1979, Dale and Millie bought out Orey and Pauline, and 17 years later they retired from the business where the second and third-generations are still working today.

In the early 70’s, Dale and some close friends built a stock car which he again raced for about 5 years. Dale was an avid NASCAR fan and was finally able to fulfill a dream in attending the 1985 Daytona 500. They were fortunate enough to make the Daytona 500 a yearly trip until 1999.

Dale also liked hunting, boating and the times he spent with family and friends. Several of his hunting buddies preceded him in death along with his parents, brother Walter, and sisters Edith Skeels, Dovie, and Joan Neliton.

Dale and Millie enjoyed traveling for the winters to Yuma, AZ, where they enjoyed wood carving, lounging with friends and playing jokers and marbles.

He is survived by his wife Mildred, sons Andrew and David (Jeanette), David Akers who is thought of as a son since 1956, grandchildren Ashley (Kirk) Sund, Aaron (Tana Jo), Derek, Dale, Garrett and Ryan, and great granddaughter McKenna Sund, sister Pauline Kliewer, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He loved them all!

A memorial service will be held at 1 pm, Friday, May 31, 2013 at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom where it will be officiated by Pastor Brian C. Ricketts (second cousin). Reception following. A private family interment will occur later at Belcrest Memorial Park. To leave audio or online condolences please visit www.HED-FH.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society or Odyssey Hospice.