M. Dale Brinker

M. Dale Brinker, 85, Lapel, passed away Monday, November 28, 2011, at his home following a brief illness. He was born on September 17, 1926, in Brookport, Illinois to Fred and Grace (McKeeman) Brinker, Sr. Dale retired from the former Delco Remy division of General Motors in Anderson after 39 years of employment. He was a master carpenter at the age of 27 and had built his own home in Lapel. He served in the U. S. Navy during WWII in the Asiatic Pacific Theater aboard L. S. T. 628 from 1944 to 1946. He was a lifetime member of both the Lapel American Legion Post 212 and the Fortville V. F. W. Post 6904; and a member of the Lapel Masonic Lodge No. 625. He had served on the Lapel Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years and had also served on the Lapel Town Council over a period of 34 years. He proudly visited many hospitals, nursing homes, and orphanages as Santa and brought joy to those he saw. He is survived by four children, Mitchell "Mick" Brinker of Anderson, Nancy (husband, Bruce) Trezise of Terre Haute, Lynn (husband, Spencer) Carpenter of Noblesville, and Dan (wife, Patti) Brinker of Anderson; ten grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Florence Koneman of Brookport, IL; a brother-in-law, Jim (wife, Molly Belle) Patrick of Fortville; and several nieces and nephews including Karen Lowhorn of Lapel. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 62 years, Barbara (Patrick) Brinker; a daughter-in-law, Sheila Brinker; four sisters; and a brother. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, December 2, 2011, at Scott E. Hersberger Funeral Home in Lapel with Mr. Stanley Kilburn officiating. Military rites will be performed by the Lapel American Legion Post 212. Burial will be in Brookside Cemetery, Lapel at a later date. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday, December 1, 2011, at Scott E. Hersberger Funeral Home, 1010 North Main Street, Lapel and a Masonic memorial service will be held at 7:00 pm Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made to to the charity of the donor's choice.
.