Dale Allen Morlen

Dale Allen Morlen, 68, of Highland, IL, died Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Willow Creek Nursing Home, Belleville, IL.

Dale was born April 5, 1946, to Massey and Ruth (nee Plank) Morlen, in Granite City, IL. He married Dixie Maden at the E&R Church, in Troy, IL.

He was a fireman in Hazelwood, MO, for 28 years, retiring as Captain in 2007. He was a member of the Masons and Highland Pistol & Rifle Club. He also was a volunteer fireman for Highland for many years. He loved his firemen brothers as he did his own family. He, along with his wife, started Highland Animal Shelter. He liked wildlife, fishing, photography, and shooting at the gun club.

He loved his family, and especially spending time with his grandson fishing and his granddaughter 4-wheeling.

He is survived by his wife, Dixie Lee Morlen, Highland, IL; daughter, Amy Earlaine (fiance Michael Taylor) Huelsmann; grandchildren, Chloe Elisabeth Huelsmann, Seth Allen Huelsmann; step grandchildren, Jordan Lee Taylor, Tobie Lynn Taylor, and Daniel Jacob Taylor; brother, Ron (Lisa) Morlen; nieces, Mandy (Chris) Robinson and Salina (Lucas) Bollinger; nephews, Ronnie Morlen and Jonathan Morlen; and loyal pet, Wally Wonka.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Massey and Ruth Morlen; stepgrandson, Caleb Michael Taylor.

Memorials may be made to Back Stoppers, Highland Animal Shelter, Masons, or Tree House.

Visitation: Wednesday, March 25, 2015, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and Thursday, March 26, 2015, 8:00 to 11:00 am, at the Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

Funeral Service: Thursday, March 26, 2015, at 11:00 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Clergy: Rev Leonard Pye

Interment: Highland City Cemetery.

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL