Dale G. Grasher

CARBONDALE - Dale G. Grasher, 74, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Carbondale Memorial Hospital surrounded by family members.

Dale was born on August 8, 1949, to Ray and Lois Grasher in Aurora, IL. He was united in marriage to Marsha Patrich on June 16, 1979. She survives. He is also survived by daughters Amanda (BJ) Groaning of Carbondale and Gillian (Doug) McVicar of Carterville, along with four grandchildren, Emelia, Nolan, Alana and Morris.

Dale led a life of public service. He volunteered to serve our country in 1968 and obtained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Although disabled in the line of duty at age 19, he was a better worker than most able-bodied people. He built a home in Vienna with his own hands and wisdom that hosted many card nights and volleyball parties where the kids swam in the pond. Dale worked as a therapist at Synergy in Carbondale, volunteered as an EMT for the Johnson County Ambulance Service, served as public defender in Cairo and applied the law with the utmost fairness as a prosecutor in Johnson, Massac and Union Counties. He was a VFW Life member in Vienna. 

Dale was a perfectionist and had a bright mind, quite “MacGyver-like”, always tinkering until he fixed something, albeit with profanity.

Wonderful memories were made on the water, sailing for years on Kentucky Lake and vacationing in the Florida Keys. Too much barbeque was consumed annually in Memphis listening to music at the International Blues Festival. He was happiest at home taking care of pets, using the tractor, burning brush piles, watching the birds and deer, and giving all the grandkids the best Mule and wheelchair rides. Dale was thrilled when the girls moved back home in 2022.

He fought until his final breath and will be missed by so many. Per his wishes, there will be no service. His ashes will be spread on the family farm outside Carbondale. 

The family extends much gratitude to the ICU staff at the VA Hospital and Carbondale Memorial for their excellent care. 

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Dale, visit www.meredithfh.com.