Dale Blakemore, 90, of Streator passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at his residence in Streator surrounded by his family.

  Funeral services will be at 4:00 P.M. Sunday, September 22nd at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator.

  Visitation will be from 1-4 P.M. Sunday, September 22nd at the funeral home.  Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. 

  Born January 3, 1934 in Streator, he was the son of Clarence and Ann (Blasco) Blakemore.  He married Joyce Durdan in 1960.  They were the parents of Andy and Brenda.  She passed away in 1970.  He later married Cathy Kennedy in October of 1971. 

  He is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy and his sons, Andy (Linda), Matt (Jess), Jim (Liz Magana), Luke (Andrea) and John along with his son in law, Woody Smigla; grandchildren, Josh (Daisy) Blakemore, Zack (Michelle) Blakemore, Sam (Cassidy) Smigla, Jaelyn and Payton Blakemore, Maddox Zadkovich, Mayci Blakemore and Vann Blakemore; 4 great grandchildren; and he was also survived by life-long friends, Chico Poldek, Andy Churney, Bill Lee and Bill Wissen.

  He is preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce; his beloved daughter, Brenda; his parents; his brother, Harold and sister, Lois Pshak.

  Dale attended local grade schools and Streator High School.

  He retired from the Streator Fire Department as a Captain in 1996.  He was also employed as a caretaker of St. Mary’s Cemetery for many years and worked for Schultz Monument Company.

  He worked hard all his life and loved every minute of it.  He took pride in his family and his home.  He loved to fish and sit in the screened in porch visiting with friends and neighbors.  Dale was a natural storyteller and could always put a smile on your face.  He will be missed by his loving family.

  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Streator Unlimited, Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

  Condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com