WAYNESBORO, Ga. - Dale E. Wilkinson, 84 of Waynesboro, Georgia died Friday, March 12, 2010 at Doctors Hospital, Augusta, Georgia. He was born August 3, 1925 in Tiffin, Ohio ( Seneca County) to the late Leonard and Sarah (Lawrence) Wilkinson, Tiffin, Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Lucinda (Sherman) Wilkinson. Dale has three children, son, Gary E. (Mary) Wilkinson of Columbus, Ohio, daughter, Mae (Nick) Garber of Waynesboro, Georgia and daughter, April (Rick) Weaver of Erie, Pennsylvania. Grandchildren are Nathan (Meghan Wills) Wilkinson, Sarah Wilkinson (Matt) Kaminski, Megan Weaver and Dakota Dale Garber. Dale is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Dale was preceded in death by his brother Wayne Wilkinson of Tiffin, Ohio and his sister Helen Wagner of Huntsville, Alabama. Dale was a graduate of Tiffin Columbian High School, Tiffin, Ohio and served in the United States Army in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Dale is best known for his life-long dedication to the Quarter Horse profession and is considered, "The Father of Modern Reining." He began training part-time in Sycamore, Ohio, in 1950 and expanded his business in 1954 moving to Millstream Stables, Findlay, Ohio. In 1963 he developed a 76 acre facility south of town where he co-founded The University of Findlay Equestrian Program in 1976. He is the only professional horse trainer to win both the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity and the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Futurity and the only individual to be inducted into the NRHA, AQHA, NCHA, OQHA and OCHA Halls of Fame. Dale was also the 1st recipient of the Zane Schulte Memorial Award. In 1984 Dale moved his operation to Waynesboro, Georgia, where it is today. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for Equine Entrepreneurial Management in 1997 by the University of Findlay in recognition of establishing the equestrian program and for his life's work as a trainer and his stature in the equine industry. He will be remembered as a mentor and an inspiration to many who pursued a career in the equestrian industry. To those who knew Dale, he was a "True Cowboy." Visitation will be Tuesday, March 16, 2010 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Joiner-Anderson-Saxon Funeral Home. Memorial Services will be Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 7 p.m. at the Joiner- Anderson-Saxon Funeral Home Chapel. A Memorial Service will also be April 17, 2010 at the Dale E. Wilkinson Arena at the University of Findlay, a time will be announced a later date. Remembrances to the Dale Wilkinson Western Equestrian Scholarship Fund at the University of Findlay, Finlay, Ohio. Joiner-Anderson-Saxon Funeral Home and Crematory, 220 E 6th Street, Waynesboro, Georgia 30830. 706-554-7999. Please sign on line at: www.joineranderson.com Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com
The Augusta Chronicle-March 14, 2010
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