Dale E. Eakright, 73, formerly of Columbia City, died at 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 11, 2020, at Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw, where he was admitted on November 16, 2020.

He was born May 31, 1947, in Wabash, Indiana, a son of the late Omer and Mildred (Cherry) Eakright. As a young boy, the family moved to South Whitley, where he graduated from South Whitley High School in 1965.

On July 6, 1965, he entered the U.S. Air Force. Attaining the rank of Sergeant, he received his honorable discharge on December 17, 1968.

On October 30, 1986, he married Sandra K. Bevington. They made their home in Columbia City. Sandra died on December 24, 2015.

He was a career-long truck driver driving local routes.

He was a member of American Legion Post 98, Columbia City, Veterans of Foreign Wars 5582, and served as a past Commander of the Honor Guard. He had belonged to the Pleasant View Church of the Brethren, South Whitley.

He enjoyed old westerns and following his favorite professional football team, the Indianapolis Colts, and college team, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

He is survived by three sons, Michael Eakright of Plainfield, Brian Behl of Rockford, IL and Douglas Behl of Churubusco; step-children, Christopher (Roxsann) Carter of Tri-Lakes, Mark Carter of Columbia City, Patrick (Amy) Carter of Churubusco, Michael (Cindy) Carter of Lebanon PA and Anna (Todd) Reimer of Warsaw; seven grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and sisters, Ellen Tolson, and Nancy Overbay both of Pierceton.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a brother, Tony Eakright.

The funeral service is 3 p.m. Tuesday, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation is 1 p.m. until the service at the funeral home.

Memorials in Dale's honor are to Disabled Veterans.