E. Dale Hawkins passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, curiosity, humor, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Dale was the beloved husband of Dianne Hawkins (nee Behrendt), whom he lovingly called "his beloved." Their life together was defined by a deep and enduring love, and Dianne was at the center of his world. He was an exemplary and committed husband, father, and grandfather, finding his greatest happiness in the people he loved most.

Dale was the loving father of Brian (Cindy) Hawkins, Eric (Christina) Hawkins, Kirsten (Bryan) Wyman, and Sean (Kathleen) Hawkins. He was a proud and loving grandpa to Kim (Justin), Amanda (Patrick), Amanda (Andy), Matthew, Payton, Daytona (Tony), Riley, Tatum (Owen), Reese, Morgan, Marie, Ben, and Liam. His joy continued through his great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Cooper, Canton, Cameron, Remmy, Ryder, Presley, Blakely, and Amelia. He delighted in his family, and they truly were his world.

Dale had a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the world around him. He loved wildlife, nature, hiking, camping, travel, and especially spending time in Rocky Mountain National Park. He enjoyed photography and fossil hunting, and his fascination with astronomy and the stars reflected his natural curiosity and sense of wonder. Whether exploring the outdoors, looking toward the night sky, or discovering something new, Dale approached life with an inquisitive spirit.

A lifelong reader, Dale found great pleasure in books and was especially generous in sharing his love of reading with young people. As a reading tutor, he had the opportunity to encourage children and help them discover the joy and possibilities that come through reading. His ability to connect with people, particularly youth, was one of the many qualities that made him so memorable.

Those who knew Dale will remember his strong will, his wonderful sense of humor, and his genuine ability to connect with others. His familiar response, "Fair to middlin'," became part of the language of those who loved him and a small expression that captured his distinctive personality. He brought his own warmth and character to every conversation and left an impression on people wherever he went.

Dale was a man deeply devoted to those he loved. His greatest accomplishment was not found in any one place or pursuit, but in the family he built, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely. He will be profoundly missed by Dianne, his children and their spouses, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and by the many relatives and friends who were fortunate enough to know him.

Dale was the dear brother of the late Barbara Nierman and a dearest brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

His memory will live on in family stories, shared laughter, lessons passed on to younger generations, treasured photographs, adventures in the outdoors, and in the countless ways he taught those around him to appreciate family, knowledge, nature, and the wonder of the world.

He will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and greatly missed.

Services:  The family will receive friends for a visitation at SCHRADER Funeral Home - Eureka, 108 North Central Ave., Eureka, MO 63025 on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Dale to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital . Please share memories of Dale and condolence with the family in the online guestbook at Schrader.com.