David Dale Gragg, age 85, of Painesville Township, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at his home.
Born February 24, 1931, at Cass, he was a son of the late Charles Osenton and Fannie Bernice Sheets Gragg.
In his early years, Dale would help with chores on the family farm, and work in the family’s general store. He attended Cass Elementary School and was a 1949 graduate of Green Bank High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in Korea until 1953, where he earned the Korean Service Medal, Japanese Occupation Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation and Good Conduct Medal. He went on to attend West Virginia University.
He and his wife, Betty Jeanne, were married September 4, 1954, at the Painesville Church of the Nazarene. He was a life member of the BPOE, Elks Lodge 549 in Painesville, and a Charter Member of the Goldwing Road Riders Association. He worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company in Mentor, Ohio, and retired from Lake Hospital System in 1993.
Dale had a passion for the outdoors, and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. As a private pilot, he enjoyed recreational flying. Known for his wit and humor, Dale enjoyed telling stories and spending time on his front porch with friends and family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Wagner Gragg; a brother, Neil Edgar Gragg; and an infant brother, Allen Lee Gragg.
He is survived by his sons, Allen Gragg, of Painesville, Ohio, Randy Gragg, and wife, Jennifer, of Charleston, South Carolina, and Scott Gragg, and wife, Kerry, of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, Colleen, Heather, Spencer, Parker Mae, Elle, Dawson, Donovan and Dade Gragg; great-grandchildren, Christian, Ava, Ryleigh and Olive; a sister, Rachel Ellen Rudd, and husband, Gordon; a sister-in-law, Nellie Marie Gragg; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was December 12 at the Painesville Church of the Nazarene, in Painesville, Ohio, with Rev. Thomas Purchase officiating. Interment was in the Perry Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Ohio Living Hospice.