Dale Holloman, formerly of Chester

Dale Holloman, 89, of Belleville, Illinois, formerly of Chester, Illinois passed away at 5:34 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville.

He was born to the late Jesse "Mack" and Helen Elizabeth (nee Cushman) Holloman on Aug. 17, 1931 in Chester.

Dale married Betty Jean Roth on March 20, 1953 in Ft. Benning, Georgia. She survives.

He was a good man, husband and father. Dale was also a generous man, always there to help anyone in their time of need. Dale entered the Army in 1952 during the Korean War and was initially assigned to the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division. He subsequently was reassigned to Ft. Benning for Officers Candidate School training. He graduated as a second lieutenant and was assigned to Ft. Leonard Wood, in Missouri, as a company executive officer and instructor in small unit tactics.

Upon leaving active duty, he enrolled at the University of Illinois and graduated with a degree in mining (petroleum) engineering. He was employed at Texaco for more than 20 years in oil and gas well drilling and production. He subsequently joined Deminex U.S. Oil Company in Dallas, Texas, where he became the company's president and CEO.

During this time, Col. Holloman continued his military career on an active reserve status, holding numerous command and staff positions in Illinois, Oklahoma and Texas. He retired after 32 years of military service while serving as commander of the 4266th LOG Command in West Texas and Regional Military Emergence Coordinator, 5th Army Headquarters, at Ft. Sam Houston in Texas. He was inducted into the Army's OCS Hall of Fame at Ft. Benning in 1987.

Dale always said, "Just being plain nice overshadows arrogance every time. Be sensitive to others' well-being and always treat them as you would like to be treated."

Dale was of the Presbyterian faith. He was a member of the Military Officers Association of America, American Legion Post #487 in Chester, V.F.W. Post #3553 in Chester and Senior Services. He was also a Shriner and was a member of the Masonic Lodge #72 and several other organizations.

Dale is survived by his wife, Betty Jean, of Belleville; three children, Sheila (Brad) Woodruff, Sandy (Ron) Guymon, and Terry Holloman, all of Belleville; four grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, George Holloman; and a sister, Dorothy Sanderson.

A private service will be held on Monday, Nov. 2, at Pechacek Funeral Homes in Chester, with Dr. Mike Fogerson officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Chester. There will be a public visitation from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2 at Pechacek Funeral Homes in Chester.

The funeral home is limited to 25 people in the building at one time. Guests are asked to wear masks and to observe social distancing guidelines.

Memorials to Wounded Warriors are suggested. To view this obituary and sign the register book visit www.wpfh.net.