Obituary of Dale Malcom

Dale John Malcom of Limon, CO passed away on December 14, 2006, at the Castle Rock Care Center on Castle Rock. CO. He was temporarily staying there until repairs to the Prairie View Care Center in Limon could be completed. Dale was 90 years old. Dale John Malcom was born on May 22, 1916, in Johnstown, CO to Oakley John and Anna (Schlegel) Malcom. He had one sister, Cleo, born 3 years earlier, and one brother, Lester, who came 10 years later. The family moved from Johnstown to a homestead north of Limon in 1918. There they farmed and worked out and Dale developed a love of farming. He attended one of the various Walk’s Camp country schools in the community and graduated from the 8th grade, his highest level of formal education. Dale did well in school but much preferred to be out working on the farm. It was said that after school each day he would run, not walk, the one mile home so he could go to work. He spent nearly his entire working life on the farm, retiring in 1986. Dale’s farming career was interrupted when he was called to military service in 1942 at 26 years of age. He spent 3 years and 23 days in service to our country as a soldier in the U.S. Army, and experienced difficult battles in the Pacific Theater during World War II. These events shook him to the core, and stayed with him the rest of his life, as was the case with millions of others who sacrificed so much to help our nation during this trying time. Dale was honorably discharged on June 4, 1945, and was awarded 4 Bronze Battle Stars for participation in Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Southern Philippines, and Luzon campaigns; the Good Conduct medal, Bronze Star medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, 5 Overseas Service bars; and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star. He was a member of Battery A, 950the Anti-aircraft Artillery Air Warning Battalion. He wept with joy as he was milking cows out in the barn when news came of Japan’s surrender later that year. Dale never married and spent most of his time at home on his farm, the place he loved most. He was a hard worker and did work out some, helping neighbors with their farm work. He said he sometimes was completely wet with sweat from picking corn all day, by hand, with a team of horses. He enjoyed family gatherings which were frequent when his parents were living. Dale loved horses and was a good rider. He kept chickens, cattle and took great pride in his John Deere farm equipment and Ford vehicles. He took immaculate care of his belongings. Hundreds of people came to his farm sale when he retired. Dale was a prudent businessman who drove a hard bargain, as anyone can attest that ever did business with him. Dale was frugal with his money, but whenever a nephew or other relative would help him with his farm work, he would usually pay more than double the going wage. He managed his farm well, and maintained his farmstead to keep it looking good. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Oak and Anna Malcom, and by his sister, Cleo Nickell. He is survived by one brother, Lester of Limon, CO and by one niece and four nephews. Funeral services for Dale John Malcom were held Monday, December 18, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at the Love Funeral Home with the Reverends Frank and Linda Hoover officiating. Interment followed in Pershing Memorial Cemetery in Limon, CO. Memorials may be made to Limon Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 357, Limon, CO 80828.