Dale E. Wherley

Dale Emerson Wherley passed away peacefully on May 4, 2015 in his Dover home at the age of 92. He was born May 11, 1922 in Dover and was preceded in death by his parents Gustave and Verna (Blind) and older brother Eugene Wherley. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Polly (Tolotti); children, Sue and Steve of Dover and Amy (Jeff) of Copley; siblings Jerry (Judy) Wherley and Jim (Betty) Wherley of Dover and Marlene (Gib) McGee of Lakewood. Dale was also blessed with 14 wonderful grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and many caring nieces and nephews living in various states.


A 1940 graduate of Dover High School, Dale studied aeronautical mechanics briefly before serving in WWII as crew chief in charge of airplane operations onboard various B25, C46/47 and 109 tanker aircrafts which flew supplies over the Himalayan Mountains into Burma in what was called 'Flying the Hump'. He felt fortunate to be able to see many incredible sights of the world in the course of his service, among those the famous Taj Mahal, Rock of Gibraltar, and construction of the Suez Canal. Of most importance though, was his on-going friendship of some 70 years with fellow serviceman Steve Williams, 95, of Texas. Besides communicating faithfully by phone, the two men have met up several times throughout the years along with their wives, both named Polly.

Dale was able to take over the family construction business, G.T. Wherley & Sons, from his father after the war. He was responsible for the building of numerous residential homes in the Dover area (his own family home included) along with several business construction projects including those of Snyder Horse Farm, Harold R. Snyder owner and personal friend. Dale served as past president of the Tuscarawas Home Builders Association and took great pride in his craft.

After retiring in 1968, he treated many friends and family to impromptu organ concerts through his musical gift of playing the instrument by ear and by note after taking a few lessons. We will certainly remember the ragtime, swing, and 'railroading' melodies he enjoyed filling the summer night air with!

Throughout his life Dale enjoyed league bowling and golfing, summer vegetable gardening, and for a while, pleasure flying after earning a pilot certification and investing in a small-plane partnership. He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Dover Elks, and the local 40 et 8 Club of the American Legion. He was also honored by the American Legion as a 70 year member and was a former Post Commander.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 9th at 10:30 am in the St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover with Fr. Jimmy Hatfield officiating. Following the service, a luncheon will be held in the St. Joseph Family Life Center. Private family burial will take place in the Western Reserve National Cemetery at Rittman. Friends can call in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover on Friday from 5-7 pm. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Dale may do so by visiting the online obituaries and flowers link on the funeral homes website.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ, St. Joseph Catholic Church or to a military veteran's charity of choice.