Dale Wesley Pullins, age 83, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2008 at his home in Hot Springs, SD where he resided for the past 49 years with his beloved wife of 60 years at his side after a brief struggle with cancer.

Dale was born September 21, 1924 at Fox Ridge, SD to Earl F. and Christina R. (Patterson) Pullins. He spent his early years on a ranch in the northern part of the state. He attended elementary school in Perkins County and graduated high school from Bison, SD. He married Gladys Packer on July 19, 1947 in Sturgis, SD. Dale served in the US Army during WWII, including an overseas duty in Italy with the infantry division.

Dale filled in substitute teaching for his wife during an illness and later went to college graduating from the Black Hills Teachers College with a degree in Industrial Arts. He taught a total of eight years, the last four at Wasta, SD as principal. Dale and his family moved to Hot Springs in 1959 where he began a career at the VA Medical Center in the recreation department and retired as the Chief of Voluntary Services after 30 years.

Throughout the years Dale was a great contributor to the community of Hot Springs through his memberships in many organizations: Odd Fellows and Rebekah Lodge, Order of Eastern Star, Masons, Shriners, VFW, American Legion, Boy Scouts, VA Bowling League, Job's Daughters, and being a supportive fan at his children's and grandchildren's activities.

Dale was a man of few words whose actions spoke volumes. He adored his family. He was a friend to all. He was a generous man; meeting others needs be it money, his time, and assistance or opening his home to them. Dale was a simple man who lived a full life. He loved being outdoors, whether hunting, fishing or being a rock hound. He was a talented carpenter, gardener, musician and the "fixer" of all things. He was a strong man who didn't complain, even when suffering at the end with cancer.

Survivors include his wife, Gladys (Packer) of Hot Springs; two sons, Bill Pullins of Hot Springs; Jeffrey Pullins of Casper, WY; two daughters, Cynthia (Jim) Baker of Cody, WY; Darla (Willie) Benedict of Hot Springs; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and one sister, Betty Krantz of Chadron, NE.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and numerous other close relatives.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 20, 2008 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs with Masonic Rites at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 21, 2008 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Hot Springs with Pastor Kevin Clark officiating.

Following a luncheon provided by the women of St. John's Lutheran Church, burial will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 21, 2008 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

A memorial has been established in Dale's name to benefit the St. John's Lutheran Youth Programs or Hospice of the Southern Hills.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.