Dale

Samuel “Ramon” Dale Jr., 86, died Monday April 16, 2018 in Flatonia. Ramon was born July 11, 1931 in Austin to Samuel Ramon and Onedia (Wheeler) Dale Sr. Growing up in Austin his mother said when he was a young boy, Ramon used to like to tinker with things around the house and nicknamed him “Tink” which stuck with him for the rest of his life. While attending Austin High he was part of the track team, sang in a choral group trio known as the “Close Harmony Kids”. During the summer he worked as a lifeguard and taught swimming lessons at Stacy and Westenfield pools. He married his high school sweetheart and had two children; Debra and Kevin Dale. He was an Air Force Veteran and a graduate from the University of Texas in Austin, earning a Bachelor degree in Business Administration, which lead to 40 years of service in the insurance industry before retiring to his ranch 29 Oaks in Flatonia. Ramon enjoyed dove hunting, collecting guns, UT football, time with family and friends, but most of all spending time with his grandchildren, and towards the end of his life meeting his great granddaughter Malia. Ramon is survived by; daughter Debra Dale, and son Kevin Dale and daughter in law Herminia Dale; grandsons Michael Dale and Christopher Dale, granddaughters Amanda Serrano and Brisa Dale, and great-granddaughter Malia Ferguson. Ramon was preceded in death by; father Samuel Ramon Dale Sr. and mother Onedia Dale. A memorial service for Ramon will be held Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home Chapel, 128 E. 5th Street, Flatonia, Texas 78941. ln lieu of flowers, contributions in Ramon’s memory may be made to any or all of the following: Ministerial Alliance c/o Flatonia National Bank, P.O. Box 130, Flatonia, Texas 78941; Celebration House Food Pantry, P.O. Box 204, Flatonia, Texas 78941and Flatonia Fire Department, P.O. Box 95/316 W. North Main Street, Flatonia, Texas 78941. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.smithfuneralhomeflatonia.com for the Dale family. Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia is in charge of  arrangements.