Dale Ramsey Brainerd, 86, of Oakdale, California, passed away on March 16, 2018, of natural causes.
A military service was held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 28, at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery. A military honor guard from the Air Force and Hughson and Ceres American Legion officiated, followed by burial. Arrangements were handled by Eaton Family Funeral Service.
Dale was born in Bruce, Wisconsin on October 25, 1931, to E.K. and Sydney Brainerd. He graduated from high school in Hot Springs, N.M. in 1950. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force that same year, in response to the Korean Conflict, serving 1950-1954. He participated in the early years of in-flight air-refueling, and was involved in Operation Ivy on Eniwetok Atoll in 1952. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and DAV.
Dale was married to Evelyn Fraga on December 21, 1958; they were married 59 years.
Dale worked with the Forest Service for some time, and then worked as a power plant operator for the Federal Bureau of Reclamation for over 25 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping.
Dale is survived by his wife, Evelyn Brainerd; daughter, Julie (Bruce) Marconett of Escalon; sons, Eric (Deanna) Brainerd of Bend, Oregon; and Dennis (Debi) Brainerd of La Grange; grandchildren, Travis, Tyler, and David; nieces and nephews; and other family and friends.
Dale is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carol McDonald of New Mexico; and brother, Bruce Brainerd of Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Community Hospice Foundation (give.hospiceheart.org).
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
April 4, 2018