Dale R. Hamner

Dale R. Hamner, 96, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, October 9, 2016 at Major Hospital in Shelbyville. He was born June 12, 1920, in Marietta, the son of Lewis J. and Ethel M. (Law) Hamner. On February 12, 1942, he married Martha J. (Hamblen), and she preceded him in death on March 9, 2008. Dale is survived by his daughter, Marcia Erne and husband, Joe, of Indianapolis; granddaughter, Kim Beal; grandson, Jay Erne and wife, Nicole; and great-granddaughters, Megan and Kathleen Erne. He was also preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marcia Wertz; and a brother, Arthur Hamner. Dale graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1938, and received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana Central and his master’s degree from Butler University. He also studied during the summers at the University of Cincinnati, San Jose State in California and Purdue University. He was a former member of Marietta United Methodist Church, where he was a trustee and currently a member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. He was also a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge. Dale was a veteran of the U.S. Army, he received a Purple Heart while serving during World War II (the greatest generation). He was a farmer. He taught at Ben Davis High School and Broad Ripple High School, retiring with 40 years of service. Dale was also an author, historian and genealogist writing and publishing two books, “The History of Marietta” and “Heritage Trails Club”. He enjoyed playing golf. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 15, 2016 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, following the Masonic ritual, with Rev. Bryan Trotter officiating. Interment will be at Miller Cemetery in Shelby County, with military graveside rites conducted by the local military committee. Memorial contributions may be made to Marietta United Methodist Church, 5642 S. Marietta Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176, Shelby County-Shelbyville Public Library, 57 W. Broadway St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 4449 S. Smithland Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.