Dale Hardy Saum

Dale Hardy Saum, 91, passed away on March 8, 2023 in Salina, Kansas. Dale was born on February 21, 1932 in York, Nebraska to Dorothy Hardy Saum and Martin Edwin Saum. His mother passed away shortly after his birth. He was raised by his father and foster mother Blanche Mason in Geneva, Nebraska. He graduated from Geneva High School in 1950 before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He participated in action against Army forces in Western Korea from November 3, 1952 to July 27, 1953. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

On August 14, 1955, Dale married Joyce Sanders at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Geneva, Nebraska and they have celebrated 67 years together. They had three children Steven, Brenda, and Daniel. Dale worked heavy equipment road construction, airplane mechanics, and retired as an over-the-road driver for Schwan’s hauling pizza products across the United States. He held a small aircraft pilot license and was a life-long member of the VFW.

Dale loved attending car races and working in his shop. He was an active member of Salemsborg Lutheran Church and served on the church maintenance board for many years. Even late in life as his illness progressed, Dale’s family, particularly his great-grandchildren, brought him much comfort and joy.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce, his daughter, Brenda MacNair (Scott) of Jetmore, Kansas, and son, Daniel of Salina; his granddaughter, Megan MacNair Franko (James), and their sons Luke, Nathanael, and Simon of Wichita; his granddaughter, Marnie MacNair Tosh (Kyle), and their sons Hudson and Oliver of Elk City, Oklahoma; his grandson, Jacob, and daughter, Scotlyn Allen of Salina, along with members of his foster family Donald Mason, Trudy Dunkin, and their families in Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by a son, Steven Dale, a granddaughter, Allie M. Saum, his parents, and special members of his foster family, Blanche and Herb Mason, and half-brother Cletus Saum.

A family graveside service was held on Saturday, March 11, at Salemsborg Lutheran Church in Smolan, Kansas. Those wishing to honor Dale may donate to Salemsborg Lutheran Church or Hospice of Salina, both care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth Street, Salina, KS 67401. 

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