Merton E. Dale

Merton Edward Dale, age 87, of Billings, passed away on Feb. 2, 2015, with his wife, Audrey, by his side. He is now in his heavenly home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Merton was born on Aug. 28, 1927, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Abraham and Betty Dale. Mert's family relocated to Minnesota, where he spent most of his school years. He graduated high school at Pipestone, Minn. Mert enjoyed playing football and being in high school band. He then entered the U.S. Coast Guard. He loved traveling with the Coast Guard, and even recently talked about seeing the home of Christopher Columbus in Genoa, Italy.

Merton settled in Tulsa, Okla., where he raised his family with his first wife, Etta Jean. Together, they had two sons, Kirk and Marc Dale. Merton's grandchildren are: Christine Bean, Karley Dale, Andy Dale and Rachael Arrington. His great-grandchildren are Taylor and Kinsley Bean. Merton established "The Dale Company" automotive business in Tulsa. After the death of Etta Jean, Mert married Audrey Christoferson of Billings (a former high school friend). They made their home in Billings in 2007, where Mert underwent cancer treatments.

Merton is survived by his wife, Audrey Dale of Billings; his sons, Kirk (Loretta) Dale of Tulsa, Marc (Ginger) Dale of Tulsa; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Tulsa; his stepchildren, Brad Christoferson, Billings, Janne (Dave) of Colstrip, Craig (Bobbi) of Billings; and many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held 6-8pm Friday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave., Billings, with Pastor Ronald Palmer officiating. Services will later be held in Sapulpa, Okla., with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, Okla.

Memorials may be given to the cancer treatment center of your choice.