Dale Lavern Logsdon, age 91, of Knoxville, Illinois, died at 7:19 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville, Illinois.
He was born on December 30, 1932, in rural Versailles, Illinois, the son of Ford E. and Eula G. (Thompson) Logsdon. He graduated from Mount Sterling High School with the class of 1950 and went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Western Illinois University in Macomb. Dale then enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country from 1955 to 1957; he was stationed in Korea and Japan. He was married to Bonnie Byerly, then Pat Volmar, then last to Carol Jones.
Left to cherish Dale’s memory is one daughter: Diane Walsh of Belleville, Illinois; two grandchildren: Jude (Brock) Perrine of Virden, Illinois, Josh (Isabell) Goodman of Virden, Illinois; three great-grandchildren: Nicholas (Stephanie) Skaggs, Lauren (Johnny) Williamson and Reese Perrine; five great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews: Debbie, Rick, June and Glennie; and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Carol; a daughter, Lorrie Goodman, and a sister June L. Brown.
Dale was a very hard worker his entire life. During high school, he worked for the Prairie Farms Creamery, the Soda Fountain, and as a farm hand until graduation. During his time in college, he worked part time at a floral shop as well as a filling station. He enlisted in the military after college, serving until his honorable discharge in 1957. After his time in the military, Dale worked as a teacher for the Knoxville School District from 1957 until 1977, and had many part-time jobs during this time as well. These jobs included working at a service station, as farm help, and for the Randall Bus service. He also worked as the Street Superintendent for the City of Knoxville from 1957 until 1980.
Dale proudly served as the mayor of the City of Knoxville from 1981 until 1985. He went on to work for the Knox County Nursing Home, and then worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation from 1984 until 1990. During the period of 1976 until 2018, Dale owned and operated Log’s Custom Service. He ‘held a job and a half’ as soon as he was able to start working and until he was unable to work any longer.
Private funeral services will be held. A celebration of life will be from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the Harry Philblad American Legion Post, Knoxville, Illinois. Graveside services will be held at a later date at West Side Versailles Cemetery in Versailles, Illinois. Honorary pallbearers are Ronnie Carlson, Roger Williams, and Mark Boyer. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com