Dale Edward Woodcox, 90, South Bend, passed away at 7:20 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born June 10, 1927, in LaPaz, IN, the first child of Paul & Edna (Kimble) Woodcox, and has lived in this community most of his life.

He attended Centre Township Grade School and graduated from Lakeville High School in 1945.

He then enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945 and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, serving as a shore patrolman and guard. He also served in the Korean War.

On Oct. 28, 1950, at a ceremony at South Side Church of God, South Bend, Dale and Rosalie Sills were united in marriage by Pastor Larry Reynolds. They have enjoyed 67 years of marriage.

He is survived by his loving and caring wife Rosalie; along with their three sons: Steve Woodcox, South Bend; Mark (Francisca) Woodcox, New Carlisle; and Brian (Amy) Woodcox, Bremen; daughter-in-law, Kim Woodcox, LaPaz; eight grandchildren: Aaron (Ashley Sauer) Woodcox, Gloria (Gavin) Hoffman, Christopher, Danielle, and Alyssa Woodcox, Jared (Whitney) Woodcox, Kaleigh and Lydia Woodcox; along with two-great-grandchildren: Jayden and Ashten Hoffman; and a step-great-grandchild, Weston Sauer. He is also survived by three sisters: Norma Feller, Fort Wayne; Luella (Lee) Chizum and Verda Mitschelen, both of South Bend; and his brother, Kenny Woodcox, Nappanee.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Herschel Woodcox, who died in a car-train accident as an infant.

Mr. Woodcox worked for the Rail Road Company “The Rail Road Gang”, “The Victory Shift” at Ball Band in Mishawaka, as a Union Contractor, District Installation Manager for J.C. Penney, both in Arizona, National Installation Manager for J.C. Penney, both in Arizona and South Bend, Cabinet Installation for Sears & Roebuck, construction worker, and a Real Estate Broker, all in South Bend.

He had a deep faith in Jesus Christ, a great love for his family, and deep respect for his country. As a child, Mr. Woodcox and his family attended the former First Church of God in Mishawaka, and later, his parents and several other families were instrumental in establishing South Side Church of God in South Bend, where he has remained a faithful member for many years. He was also a member of V.F.W. Post 360, Mishawaka.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend.

Services celebrating the life of Dale Woodcox will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at South Side Church of God, 7351 U.S. 31 South, South Bend, where visitation will also occur one hour prior to the service.  Rev. Greg Crump and Rev. Mary Stephens will officiate.

Graveside services and military honors will follow at Southlawn Cemetery by members of the United States Navy and members of V.F.W. Post 360, Mishawaka.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Woodcox may be offered to South Side Church of God.