Dale Spell

Dale O. Spell of Cape Girardeau passed away peacefully at Saint Francis Medical Center Tuesday, July 13, 2021.

He was born July 15, 1937, in Goodman, Mississippi, to L.U. and Christine Burrell Spell. He married Mary Louise Welch on Aug. 16, 1958, at Maple Avenue United Methodist Church.

He spent his childhood moving to numerous states where his Dad helped complete the massive interstate building programs during the 1960s and 1970s. Dale's family moved to Cape Girardeau in 1955, where he graduated from Central High School in 1956. He attended Southeast Missouri State College from 1956 to 1958, studying civil engineering.

Dale was employed as a heavy equipment diesel master mechanic for R.B. Potashnick Co., and later Delta Asphalt, building roads and dams across the central United States until returning to Cape Girardeau in 1974.

Dale was an active member of Maple United Methodist Church, where he was a founding member of the famous J.O.Y. Sunday School class. He served many years as an usher, chairman of the trustees and on the finance committee. He assisted with many church activities and bereavement dinners. Dale served his community as a volunteer at Saint Francis Medical Center, Meals on Wheels, and Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee, where he assisted Melvin Gateley with his efforts to plant roses throughout the city. When he was not working or volunteering, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and spending time with his family and dear friends.

He is survived by his wife, Mary L. Spell, and daughters, Stacy (Jim) Jansen of Brentwood, Missouri; Chris (Dave) Hulsey of Eureka, Missouri; and Beth (Scott) Friedrich of Perkins, Missouri. His daughters would like to note he was the best girl dad ever.

He is also survived by his sister, Judy (Dennis) Fischer of Villa Ridge, Missouri; and nieces and nephew, the Rev, Alecia Fischer, Carrie (Allen) Pack and Keith (Jill) Fischer, and Sara (Matt) Sprouse.

Poppy Dale was adored by his 10 grandchildren, Nick (Katie) Jansen, Carly Jansen, Jon (Mila) Blank, Adam Hulsey, Ellen Hulsey, Hanna Hulsey (Jay) Nettesheim, Paige Hulsey, Will (Claudia) Friedrich, Kyle Friedrich and Stephen (Noah) Dowdy.

He also was great-grandfather to Alleyson and Loralei Hulsey, Logan Blank, Brooklyn and Asher Nettesheim, Ryker Friedrich and Freya Jansen.

Dale was preceded in death by parents; his older brother, Kyle I. Spell; and his youngest and much-loved daughter, Jennifer Spell Dowdy.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

His celebration of life will follow at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, led by the Rev. Jeff Estes, pastor of Maple United Methodist Church.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Maple United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.