Thomas “Dale” Willman died June 26 at Hamilton Trace Skilled Nursing Facility in Fishers. Dale was born Dec. 8, 1918 to Thomas E. and M. Grace (Miles) Willman in North Vernon. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Marilyn Willman Faulkner, his first wife, Jeanne Schrader Willman, and his second wife, Lee Harris Willman.
He is survived by his daughter Linda and husband, Dr. Frank Field of Texas,; his
granddaughter, Cynthia and husband, Patrick Ward of Texas; grandson Martin
and wife, Shannon Field of Michigan; four great-grandchildren, Genavieve Ward,
Rhyse Ward, Aiden Field and Naomi Field; two nieces and one nephew, Deborah
Spittal of Arizona, Kristen Osumi of California and Kevin Faulkner of Colorado; and
several great nieces.
Dale was a lifelong resident of the Indianapolis area. He graduated from Arsenal Tech
High School in 1936, attended Butler University and graduated from Indiana University
in 1940 with Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business. After graduating from IU, he worked for Vicks Chemical Co. before entering the U.S. Navy as a 1st Lieutenant. He was a pilot stationed in the Pacific during World War II. After the war, he remained in the Naval Reserves until 1965.
Upon returning to Indianapolis, Dale worked for Indianapolis Rubber Stamp
Co. as production manager until his retirement in the 1980s. Throughout his working
career, he had many other interests. He was a professional ballroom dance instructor and civilian pilot instructor.
U.S. Navy Military services are scheduled at Vernon Cemetery, Vernon, for 11 a.m. Aug. 31. Those attending the service are invited to a reception immediately afterwards to be held at the Calli House, 408 S. State St. in North Vernon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your charity of choice in Dale’s memory.
The family also wishes to thank all the friends and neighbors who assisted in his care.
