Dale Springs

FARMINGTON - Ernest “Dale” Springs, 83, of Farmington was taken home to Heaven on November 5, 2024, at his home. He was born September 15, 1941, in Sikeston to the late Ernest Springs and Laura (Turley) Springs. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Verna Ruth Springs in 2017; a daughter, Stephanie Renee Springs Westrup in 2019; a brother and his wife, Richard and Erla Mae Springs; a sister and her husband, Doris, and George Collins.

Dale grew up in Sikeston, where he graduated from high school. He was an athletic standout who played several kinds of sports. In his early years, he especially played well in the sport of baseball and even tried out for the St. Louis Cardinals. He did not pursue his dream of becoming a professional baseball player, however, but did remain an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. He married the love of his life, Verna Ruth Blunt in 1961 in Cape Girardeau. He went to work for the Missouri Highway Patrol in 1967 as a Trooper. In 1996, Dale retired and enjoyed golfing, bi-annual fishing trips with old high school buddies to Wappapello Lake and boating, swimming, and, spending quality time with his grandkids. He spent a lot of his time enjoying and attending his grandkid’s events as well.

He was active in the community as a member of the Farmington Elks Lodge where he could be found every Tuesday night eating dinner, the Festus Masonic Lodge, and the St. Joseph Catholic Church where he was a member of the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus. Dale also served as a member of the Farmington City Police Personnel Board for thirty-plus years.

He is survived by his daughter, Dana (Jason) Gilliam; a brother, Jim (Diane) Springs; six grandchildren, Colin (Faith) Martin, Garrett Martin and Grace (Carly) Gilliam, Danesha Kulow, Matthew Westrup and Elijah Westrup; five great-grandchildren, Oliver, Amelie, and Freya Martin; and Sephera and Blaze Kulow. Also surviving are a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

There will be a visitation on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 5 to 8 pm. Visitation will resume at 9 a.m. on Tuesday in the funeral home until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 11 a.m. with Father William Thess as Celebrant. Interment will follow at New Calvary Cemetery in Farmington immediately following the service. Memorial donations may be made in Dale’s name to Back Stoppers, or Farmington Elks 1765 Christmas Basket project. View the video tribute, the online obituary and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.