Dale Holland

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Our Dad, Dale Holland, KIØL, tossed away his suits and neckties and never stepped foot in a barber shop again when he retired at the age of 55 from IBM.

Dad and Mom, Paula (Frossard) Holland, would have been married for 52 years. Mom and Dad lovingly raised four daughters. Dad’s loving wife, Paula, along with daughters Dianne and Joyce, greeted him as he transitioned from this world.

Born in 1938 to Robert and Gladys (Cook) Holland, Dad showed exceptional abilities in electronics at an early age. He built his first (HAM) amateur operator radio from a Kenmore Kit. Dad helped several young men get their start with vacuum tubes and other radio equipment. They remained his friends. Dad served in the National Guard.

Dad enjoyed many hobbies. His flower, vegetable and herb garden was envied and enjoyed by many. Dad had at least three compost piles producing magical dirt. Dad could cook up a storm with his many smokers and grills of all types and sizes. Cast iron was a favorite. Mom and Dad put together several cookbooks. Dad kept meticulous notes: what, where, who, weather conditions, ratings and comments from all who enjoyed his cooking.

In 2004 the Joplin Globe described Dad as an 'Unsung Hero' for his volunteering in the Four-State area. In 2005 Dad was nominated to receive the new Lt. Governor Peter Kinder's Senior Service Award. Dad taught computer skills to senior citizens each Tuesday morning at the Vantage Point. Many of his students are lifelong friends. Dad also used his skills to teach computer usage at Freeman Advantage, another program for seniors, and also once a week. Dad went to clients’ homes with his refurbished computers including programs and taught them the skills they needed. Dad delivered meals just before lunchtime at the Community Center where they were served promptly at noon. I am sure he was quite popular. Dad served as a 'handyman' at all these locations. A member of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of the Area Agency on Aging Region Ten, Dad logged over 40 hours a month, although he was too busy to log all of them. Dad also donated over 10 gallons of blood over the years.

Dad loved to sail his 19-foot Lightning at Table Rock Lake. Lucky Dad, he had four daughters to man each position in the boat while he supervised. Captain's hat and maybe a Schlitz beer in hand. We all squeezed in the one room rustic cabin Dad and Mom built.

Mary Holland Zimmerman lives in Overland Park with her love, Tom Smith. Shelley Willard Graves resides in Dad's home. Dad and Mom had three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Dad’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin with Alan McCamey officiating. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation from 5-7:00 p.m. Monday at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Integrity Hospice.