Dale A. McDowell, 85, of West Burke, died at his home in West Burke on Wednesday July 29, 2015, surrounded by his family. He was born Sept. 21, 1929, in Sheffield, Vermont, the son of Dean and Helen (Holtham) McDowell. Following graduation from Lyndon Institute, Dale entered the U.S. Air Force and served his country in Korea. On Sept. 26, 1951, he married NancyLee Aldrich. They raised their family in Sheffield and later in West Burke where Dale and Nancy and their family operated the Aldrich's General Store for 40 plus years. Dale was committed to his family and community. He had lifelong passion for horses, whether it be fixing harnesses or helping his grandchildren at the fair. Even as of late, you couldn't keep him off a tractor or out of the hay field! Dale was a big story teller as was his father, Dean, and son, Randy. He was predeceased by his wife Nancy last year, their son Randy, grandson Jacob McDowell, and great-grandson Ryan Prue, as well as his sister Norma Thompson. Survivors include three daughters: Debra Wright and husband Greg of Lyndonville, Anne Prue and Andre Laramee of Coventry, Traci McDowell of West Burke; 10 grandchildren; 15 great- grandchildren; brother-in-law Gilbert Aldrich and wife Priscilla of West Burke, brother-in-law David True and wife Diane of Lyndon, nieces, nephews and friends. Visiting hours will be held at the Guibord Funeral Home this Sunday, Aug. 2, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held in Lyndonville at the Guibord Funeral Home this Monday, Aug. 3, at 1 p.m. Burial with military honors will follow at the Hillside Cemetery in West Burke. The family is especially appreciative of the care he received at the VA Hospital in White River. Contributions, marked in Dale McDowell's memory for 'Vermont Veteran Fund' and payable to Vermont Veteran's Affairs, may be directed to 118 State St., Montpelier VT 05620-4401. This fund is used to support needy veterans.