Dale L. Traylor

Dale Laverne Traylor, “Squeek”, 96 of Litchfield, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 4:45 pm with family at his side.  Mr. Traylor was born in Schram City, the 2nd of 6 sons of Samuel and Myrtle (Koonce) Traylor.  A Graduate of Hillsboro High School and St. Louis Business College, Mr. Traylor joined the United States Marine Corp in November 1942.  While serving with the 2nd Division, in the South Pacific during the Battles for Tarawa and Saipan where he was wounded in July, 1944.  After a lengthy recovery aboard the Hospital Ship “Good Hope” and in Hawaii, he returned to his original platoon and continued service alongside his Menominee “Blood Brother”, Hilary J. “Sparky” Waukau shipboard during the invasion of Okinawa and occupation of Japan in Nagasaki after the 2nd Atomic Bomb.  Waukau is responsible for saving his life on Saipan and their close friendship continued until his death in 1995.  On June 20, 1948 he married Barbara Jean Hart and they remained in Litchfield until her death on May 4, 2019, 70 years and 11 months later. 

An active member of the Litchfield community, Mr. Traylor began working for Illinois Power as a local service lineman in 1947, retiring in 1985.  He continued his career as the Emergency Services Director for Montgomery County from 1985 until 2000 when he finally hung up his keys.  Mr. Traylor was one of the first to fly Solo from the New Litchfield Municipal Airport, was a member of the Litchfield Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years and served as 3rd Ward Alderman for several years.  Mr. Traylor is survived by:

1 daughter,         Pamela (Gus) Skeadas of Springfield, IL

1 son,                 Todd (Melissa Craig) Traylor of Hazelwood, MO

4 grandchildren,                 Jason Rives (Shari Schaefer) of Carlyle, IL

                                           Jamie (Brad) Boatright of Carlyle, IL

                                           Jennifer (Michael) Weiss of Bella Vista, AR

                                           Jillian (Tim) Ulrici of Coalton, IL

1 great-grandson,          Jensen Dale Boatright of Carlyle, IL

1 brother,                        Gary (Jocelyn) Traylor of Springfield, IL

Several nieces & nephews

Mr. Traylor was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers, Murl Traylor in infancy; Marvin Traylor; Earl Traylor (twin brother of Murl); & Kenneth Traylor; Menominee Nation “Blood Brother” Hilary J. “Sparky” Waukau, Neopit, WI (1995).

Memorial services for Mr. Traylor will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until time of service in the funeral home.  There will be a luncheon and time for fellowship following the service at the Litchfield Moose Lodge #1634.  The family suggests memorials to Mooseheart.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.