Dale Lynn VanMatre, age 77, peacefully passed at home on January 8, 2025, in Dundas, Illinois.  Dale was born on September 25, 1947, the son of Luther and Alice (Poff) VanMatre in Olney Illinois.

Dale proudly served his country during the Viet Nam War from 1967 to 1969 in the United States Army. Dale married his wife Linda (Street) on December 25, 1980, she survives.

Dale worked as a driller in the oil fields for many years.  He enjoyed being outdoors as much as possible. He often worked on his or his family’s cars as a “shade tree” mechanic and would also spend his free time fishing, hunting, camping and canoeing. 

Dale is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda VanMatre of Dundas, Illinois; his sons; Doug Russell of Kentucky,Anthony VanMatre of Johnston City, Illinois, John Strong of Chauncy, Illinois, Brian VanMatre of Dundas, Illinois; daughters; Angela Duncan, Lisa Hedenberg of New Hampshire, Sheila (Mike) Brown of Junction City, Illinois, Michael (Jeremiah) Robbennault of Bloomington, Indiana; many grand and great-grandchildren;
brothers, Ray Gene and Jane Vanmatre of Parkersburg, Illinois, Don and Donna VanMatre of Olney, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents, grandsons Dale Thomas Davis, Christian Michael VanMatre; brother Bill VanMatre, sisters Doris Perry, Erma Robinson, and his little dog of 16 years Patches.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM with a visitation starting at 1:00 pm until service time at Meyer Funeral Home in Olney, Illinois. 

Meyer Funeral Home, Olney, IL