William Dale Younkin

Published in Idaho State Journal on July 8, 2010

POCATELLO - William Dale Younkin, 82, was born July 7, 1927 in Oil Hill, Kansas and died July 5, 2010. Dale grew up in Larned, Kansas where he was active and excelled in baseball, basketball, and football as well as academics.
He later played professional baseball as a pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Dale also took great pride in achieving the rank of Eagle scout and later guided other young men in that same experience.

Patriotism, loyalty and respect for his country was evident in Dale's life as he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Marine Corp, a little early at 17 and was honorably discharged when the war ended.

Dale married the love of his life of 62+ years on September 5, 1947. Dale and Jerry then moved to Hays, Kansas where Dale received his BS in Agronomy. In his spare time, Dale continued his woodworking skills making beautiful solid wood furniture for their home. Those original pieces are a family legacy to this day.

Dale began his professional career in Hoxie, Kansas as a Soil Conservationist for the United States Department of Agriculture.

While living in Hoxie, Dale and Jerry welcomed their daughter, Lynn and sons Mike and Clint into their family. Dale was also active in community, church, civic, and scouting leadership positions. Giving back was always a part of Dale's life.

In 1970, Dale and Jerry moved their family to Emporia, Kansas where Dale was promoted to Area Conservationist for 7 years.

Dale was then transferred to the mountains he so loved and continued his career as Area Conservationist in Pocatello, Idaho where he supervised southeastern Idaho until his retirement in 1983. Dale shared his passion for the responsible stewardship of God's natural resources with all who knew him.

Dale was an avid sportsman and the stories he could tell… of fishing, hunting, and golf!! That is where his impeccable integrity for the truth may have approached the gray area!!
In his retirement, Dale continued creating custom furniture for his home and homes of his children. The furniture was a symbol of love for the family he cherished.

Dale really enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren's activities in person or on TV and rehashing the events. Those genes are carrying on with grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Dale is survived by his life partner and cheerleader of 63 years, Jerry Younkin,
daughter Lynn and son-in-law Dave Schneider, sons, Mike Younkin and daughter-in-law Gay, Clint Younkin and daughter-in-law Kate; grandchildren include Dirk and wife Jen Johnson and great grandchildren Haven and Kendall; granddaughter, Darcy Johnson and great grandson Bryton; granddauhters, Shantel Schneider, Angelina (Schneider) and husband Francisco, Leah (Schneider) and husband Andy Rodemich, Erin (Younkin) and husband Phil Kaberline and great granddaughters, Rylie and Emmersyn; grandson Kyle Younkin and wife Kailey; grandson, Christopher Butler and granddaughter, Chelsea McDougall.

Dale will be greatly missed but the values, lessons, and character by which he lived will be the legacy for those he touched.

A memorial service to celebrate Dale's life will be conducted by Rev. Pam Mays on 30 July 2010 at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church 202 S. 7th in Pocatello, with Military Honors after the service in Caldwell Park by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will be held September 5th 2010 at 2 p.m. in the Larned Kansas cemetery.

The family is grateful for the many acts of kindness and caring by Creekside Hospice, lifetime friends, and the Pocatello community.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.Colonial-FuneralHome.com.