Dale Stanford, age 69, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at Clay County Hospital in Flora.

     Dale was born August 15, 1948, in Flora, the son of the late Roger Eugene Stanford and the late Alva Joyce Benskin.  He married Joan Miller on September 4, 1983, in Clinton, New Jersey.

     He was a 1966 graduate of Clay City High School.  Dale retired from the U.S. Army in 1974, having served in Vietnam and Germany.  He earned certificates in heating and air for tractor trailer reefers and in diesel mechanics.  He worked for himself, driving a truck for Stanford Transporters.  Dale was a member of the American Legion, VFW, NMN Club, and Chapter 32 International Tractor Club.  He attended McCabe General Baptist Church and was an expert at identifying country music songs.  Dale was passionate about working on, showing, and talking about his tractors, including his M and H Farmall models, his Farmall Super A, and an International 806, as well as 3 Case tractors, and another he was hoping to begin restoring soon. He was a NASCAR enthusiast and also a collector of diecast toys, including trucks, tractors, and road equipment.

     He is survived by his wife: Joan Stanford of Flora; a sister: Colene Wood of Riverton and her son, Casey Jay Wood and daughter, Kassie Joetta Wood and granddaughter Harper; the children of Dale’s late brother, Bradley Stanford: Bradley Allen Stanford, Crystal Lynn Lancaster, and Amber Jo Stanford; brother: Perry (Kathy) Stanford of Flora and his family; brother: Donald Stanford of Clay City and his family; an aunt: Marjorie Murbarger of Clay City and her family; sister-in-law: Kathleen Miller of Rock Hills, SC; brother-in-law: Edward (Susan) Miller of High Bridge, NJ, and their sons Brian Miller and Craig (Paula) Miller, and their daughters Ashlyn and Addison; brother-in-law: Donald (Nancy) Miller of Califon, NJ, and their daughter Christina Herndon; along with many cousins of Dale and Joan.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother: Bradley.

     A funeral service for Dale Stanford will be held 11 a.m. Monday, December 4, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home, Flora, with military honors presented at the conclusion of the service.  A visitation will be held Sunday afternoon from 2-5 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorials may be given to Clay County Cancer Crusaders who will share the donations with Crossroads Cancer Center, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence, visit www.frankandbright.com.