Dale Woodrow Boxley (95) of Newton

Dale Woodrow Boxley age 95 of Newton passed away Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at the Newton Care Center.

Funeral services celebrating Dale’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 15 at the Crain Funeral Home, Newton with Rev. Brad Harper officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday in the funeral home with 7:00 p.m. Masonic Rites by Newton Lodge No. 216 A. F. & A. M. Burial will be in the West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors by Jasper Post No. 20 of the American Legion. Memorial gifts in honor of Dale may be made to the Newton Masonic Lodge No. 216 A.F. & A.M or to Sarah Bush Lincoln - Lincoln Land Hospice.

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Dale was born on July 8, 1922 in Jasper County, Illinois the son of Don and Daisy (Staley) Boxley. Dale married Thelma Shamhart on February 20, 1943. She preceded him in death on September 13, 2010. During WWII, Dale served his country in the United States Navy. Following his military service, Dale worked as a mechanic for Ira Brooks in Newton. He later owned and operated Boxley & Hayes Repair Shop. He joined Newton Auto Parts in 1966, where he worked as a machinist until his retirement. Dale was a member of the Newton Christian Church, Jasper Post 20 of the American Legion and the V.F.W., and served as alderman for the City of Newton. He was fifty-six year member and past master of the Newton Masonic Lodge No. 216 A.F. & A.M.  In addition to his local lodge work, Dale traveled as the presiding master to deliver masonic rites for his fellow brethren. For his dedication shown to Masonry, Dale was awarded honorary memberships to many lodges in the surrounding area.

Dale will be loved and remembered by daughters Sandra (Larry) Lyons of Woodson, IL and Linda Zumbahlen of Newton; his son Mark (Sherry) Boxley of Peoria, AZ; ten grandchildren and thirty-two great grandchildren; and sisters Berl Harris of Merriville, IN and Winnie Phillips of Newton.

His parents, wife Thelma, grandchild Aimee Suzanne Kessler, great grandchild Karly Jo Smithenry, brothers Harry Boxley and infant John, sisters Opal Portlock and Polly Ann Boyd preceded him in death.