Since the birth of Dale Burdette Wilson on July 4th, 1925, he has been a “firecracker” so to speak with a very independent spirit. Dale Burdette was born to Orrin and Ethel Belle (Smith) Wilson on the family farm north of Benkelman. He was one of 13 children raised in a two-bedroom house. Burdette attended school until the eighth grade, then completed his GED in 1975 and graduated from Wauneta High School.
    During his teen years, Burdette farmed. He was hired by Bill Damrow who later became his father-in-law when he married the farmer’s daughter. Burdette and Jackie Damrow were married Aug. 4, 1946, and their love for each other lasted 73 years. To this union 5 children were born: Laddie, Alyce, Kathy, Bill and Rich.
    Burdette loved dancing to Big Band music, going to card parties, playing cribbage and attending all sports activities of his children, grandchildren and the area sports teams until he wasn’t physically able.
    Burdette will always be remembered for his joke telling. He loved to make people laugh and laughing always accompanied some knee slapping. Jackie would say “Burdette that joke is so old”, yet soon she would join in the laughing. Burdette had a strong commitment to his Christian faith and wanted others to have that relationship. It was a must that their family regularly attended church. Burdette will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
    Burdette passed away Friday morning, Oct. 16, 2020, at the Wauneta Care and Therapy Center in Wauneta, Nebraska. He was 95 years of age.
    Burdette was preceded in death by his parents; wife Jackie; son-in-law Charlie Watt; granddaughters Katie Watt Bradbury and Kristina Lea Wilson.
    Survivors include: son Laddie Wilson and wife Anita of Olathe, Kansas; daughter Alyce Richard and husband Alan of Omaha, Nebraska; daughter Kathy Walgren and husband Rex of Wauneta, Nebraska; son Bill Wilson and wife Kim of Benkelman, Nebraska; son Rich Wilson and wife Jennifer of Wood River, Nebraska; 15 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; brother Jack and Ina Mae Wilson of Imperial, Nebraska; brother-in-law Marvin Haines of Benkelman, Nebraska.
    Funeral grave side services for Burdette were held Monday afternoon, Oct. 19, 2020, at the Benkelman Cemetery, Benkelman, with Pastor Jim Gleason officiating. A memorial has been suggested to the Wilson Family for a future designation.
    Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.
    Rest in Peace, Dad. Love you. Hey! I have a story for you…...
    Benkelman Memorial Chapel entrusted with arrangements.