Ernest “Dale” McCormack

Ernest “Dale” McCormack of Des Arc, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at Riverview at the Park Nursing Center in Ste. Genevieve.  He was 79.

Earnest Dale McCormack was the love of my Aunt Sue’s life, who proceeded him in death on Dec. 6, 2017. Dale was always a good man, gentle in his ways, one who loved God and country. He loved life and enjoyed people, comedy, and music. He always opened or held the door for others, and greeted strangers with kindness. Dale played the piano beautifully with the ease of Mozart; and sang for a living or just for the pleasure of others, and enjoyed the giving of himself all the while.

Dale was the son of Cecil and Vivian (Lawson) McCormack and both preceded him in death. He leaves behind one brother, Frank McCormack and his wife Carol of Arnold. He was the father of David Lee McCormack, who preceded him death at a very young age. When Dale spoke of him, it was with tears, and a remembrance of a time gone by.

He leaves behind also many nieces and nephews and a host of friends and acquaintances - too many to list individually - but who will think on him with fondness always, and smile as they remember a joke told, a gesture made, or a facial expression. Time and Consumer magazines/Readers Digest books were his past time as well as watching NASCAR, stock car racing, on Saturday or Sunday afternoons. It was him that our family spoke to for wisdom, with regard to the buying and selling of vehicles and such.

Dale graduated from high school and attended college. As a young boy he delivered the newspaper, as a young man he played music, owned and managed a Western Auto Store, and before retirement he became owner of Ozark Productions in Branson, of which he and Sue were both very proud. Barbara Fairchild and her husband, Roy Morris, along with members of “Two-for-the-Show” were just some of the many performers who considered him a confidant and good friend.

Even though Dale was a dignified businessman at heart, he never lost sight of the pleasures of life, just being good company. One of his favorite prayers was the prayer of Serenity, which states “Lord grant me serenity to accept the things that I cannot change; Give me the courage to change the things that I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.”

For a time, we journeyed together and now we will thank God upon every remembrance of him always.

Visitation was held Saturday, April 21, 2018, from 11 a.m.-1  p.m., at First Assembly of God Church, Des Arc. Services followed at the church at 1 p.m. Burial was at Three Rivers Cemetery near Farmington.

Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com.