Dale Dewayne Double, 67, of Charleston, Ill., formerly of Chicora, died Friday at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis.

Born Dec. 7, 1936, in Worthington, he was the son of Arthur and Estelle Wolff Double, and lived in the Chicora area until moving to Charleston in 1982.

He was an Air Force veteran.

He began his career at American Hardware, now ServiStar, in 1961 in Butler, transferred to the Charleston facility in 1982 as assistant plant manager, and retired in 1991.

Mr. Double was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Mattoon, Ill.; Charleston Moose Lodge 1388; Argyle Masonic Lodge 540, Chicora; a 13-year member, Coles County Barbershoppers; and a 22-year member of Charleston Country Club.

Dale enjoyed life and the many opportunities it offered. He always had to be doing something. Hunting, fishing, golfing, working in the lawn, tending to his rose bushes (the Abe Lincoln was his favorite), tuning in to Fox News in preparation for discussing the latest in politics (he was a proud Republican) and rooting for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers were hobbies and activities that kept him busy and happy.

But this special man will truly be missed by his many friends and by those who made him happiest - his family, especially his grandchildren who affectionately knew him as "Papa."Surviving are his loving and devoted wife, Eleanor Quinlin Double, whom he married Jan. 30, 1960, in Chicora; a son, William A. (Cathy) Double of Greenup, Ill.; two daughters, Deborah (Glen) Craig of Chicora and Kimberly (Lee) Sherwood of Charleston, Ill.; six grandchildren, Pamela, Kent, Stephanie and Laura Craig, all of Chicora, and Morgan and Emma Sherwood, both of Charleston, Ill.; and three step-grandchildren, Shannon Henne of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Tabitha Greeson of Mattoon, Ill., and Misty (Jeremy) Williamson of Lerna, Ill.; a great-grandchild, Kendale Burns of Chicora; and four step-great-grandchildren, Dakota and Donavon Williamson, both of Lerna, and Cooper Adams and Xylia Greeson, both of Mattoon.Also surviving are two brothers, Van (Gail) Double of Port Charlotte, Fla., and Robert Double of Butler; and three sisters, Mary (James) Turner and Helen (Charles) Cramer, both of Chicora, and Olive (Donald) Knox of Bruin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

DOUBLE - Friends of Dale Dewayne Double, who died Friday, May 14, 2004, will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2217 Chicora Road, Fairview Township. Services will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. James Higgins officiating. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family.The Chicora Masons will hold Masonic services at 6 p.m. Friday at the church.Full military honors will be accorded by Chicora American Legion Post 642 and Chicora VFW Post 7876.Arrangements are entrusted toDENNIS J. DAUGHERTY FUNERAL HOME, Freeport.Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.