Rev. Hubert Dale

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The Rev. Hubert "Lester" Dale, 79, of Jonesboro, Ark., formerly of Poplar Bluff, died Friday, June 30, 2006, at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro, following a lengthy illness.

He was born April 11, 1927, in Bessville, Mo., son of Will and Parlie Dale. He and Norma Ward were married 61 years.

Dale was ordained a General Baptist minister Sept. 25, 1954.

He pastored churches in Advance, Brownwood, Poplar Bluff, Swinton, Bernie, Dexter, Sikeston, Annapolis, and Broseley in Missouri, and in Trumann, Ark.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Carla Martin of Jonesboro, Gayla Barber of Fredericktown, Mo.; two sisters, Thelma Ellis of Casey, Ill., Elizabeth Smith of Jackson; two brothers, Dillard Dale of Cape Girardeau, Gene Dale of Oak Ridge; two grandsons; and a great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and a brother.

Friends may call at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff from 6 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Collins Chapel General Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, with the Rev. Wayne Foust officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery near Advance.