Dale H. Hampson, age 88, of Grand Ridge, Illinois passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023 at his home.
Dale was born February 25, 1935, to Guy and Clara(Anderson)Hampson. He married Judith Pierce on June 16, 1957 in Plano, Illinois. They were married almost fifty years, when Judy passed away May 7, 2007.
Dale grew up on a farm west of Grand Ridge, Illinois. His parents had farmland, horses, milk cows, beef cows, sheep and pigs! Dale’s Dad used draft horses to farm the land. All the farmers did at that time. Dale went to a country school west of Grand Ridge. In grades 7th and 8th, he then went to Grand Ridge Grade School. He graduated from Ottawa High School. After graduation, he immediately got a job at Libbey-Owen Ford in Ottawa Illinois. He drove a semi- truck and farmed with his Dad! Dale met Judy at the Midget races in Joliet, Illinois. His life was never the same, they married and had 5 kids. Dale and Judy started their own trucking business. Dale hauled bottles from Thatcher Glass Co. to Chicago. At one time Dale had 5 semi-trucks and 22 trailers. Dale also hauled cattle in his livestock trailer. When the glass industry slowed down, Dale did road construction, hauled gravel and blacktop. Dale raced Midget racecars. They had race cars and horses for many years! At age 55, Dale had a career change. He gained employment with the Illinois Department of Transportation. After 20 years of being Lead Foreman, he retired at the age of 75. He then farmed with his very good friend Bill Boyd, till age 85.
Dale never stopped being on the go! He traveled, had been to every state! Even Hawaii, he took Judy there on their 4Oth wedding anniversary! He would follow the Midget, Sprint Car, Stock car, Indy 500 and Nascar races! He was good friends with A.J Foyt, and Al Unser. He met Sonny Bono, from Sonny and Cher!! Dale was a natural born leader, when he spoke, people listened!
He is survived by his son, Kenneth(Janet) Hampson of Tiskilwa, Illinois; two daughters, Deborah(Tom)Noon of Lee Center, Illinois; Julie Hampson of Waukegan, Illinois; His eleven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. His brother-in-law, John Pierce of Sandwich, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Clara, his wife Judy, daughters Catherine Leach and Linda Huss, brother Harlan(Jeanne Hodgin)Hampson, sister Dorothy(John)Labagh, grandson Casey and great- grandson Kayden.
Visitation will be at the Ottawa Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 from 10:00 a.m.to 12:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m.
Pallbearers are family members.
“We are you. You are us Dad!” You spent your whole life working and taking care of your family!! You protected your family with every being in your body! Thank you for being our Dad!! We are so proud that Dale Hampson is our father!! We couldn’t be more proud! We love you Dad!!
Dale was laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park, Garden of the Last Supper.