Don Dial

On February 24, 2023 Don Carrol Dial, loving husband and father, passed away  peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 90. Don was born on December 8, 1932 in Hamilton County, Illinois  to John Dial, Jr and Vernie Galbraith Dial.

Don graduated from McLeansboro High School in 1951. After High School he joined the US Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California. He served as a US Navy Radarman Second Class aboard the USS Hamner (DD718). Shortly after he enlisted, the USS Hamner sailed the Korean Coast where it bombarded Communist positions and supply lines.

After the Navy, Don enrolled into Southern Illinois University and graduated in 1960 with a BA in Geology and a minor in Chemistry. He continued his studies and received his Masters in Geology/Hydrology in 1962. After college he worked for many years at The US Geological Survey. After retiring from the USGS in 1987, he became Director of the Capital Area Ground Water Conservation Commission. 

On August 10, 1957 Don married his sweetheart and love of his life, Marilyn Marie Broyles.  Together they had 4 children, who he loved and adored. 

Don was a devoted Christian and served as a Deacon and a choir member for many years at the Chapel on The Campus. He was a member of The Gideons and cherished his work distributing Bibles as part of the Prison Ministry at Angola. Don enjoyed working in his garden, birding, jogging, star gazing, beach trips, nature hikes and caring for all of his beloved pets. But more often than not, you would find him quietly reading his Bible and reflecting on his walk with God. As the family patriarch he was a kind, compassionate, loving father and husband. 

Don is preceded in death by his parents, John and Vernie Dial, and his three older brothers John, James and Emery. He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Marilyn Broyles Dial , one sister Frieda Dial Rhodes and his four children Karen Dial Anderson (Budd), Greg Dial, Carole Dial Ellender (Philip) and Dan Dial (Emilie). Don is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. 

Our family would like to express our sincere appreciation for the loving care he received from all the staff at St. James Highland Court Nursing, his caring companion, Vanessa and his hospice nurse, Suzie.

Visitation will be at Resthaven Funeral Home on Thursday, March 2nd from 12:30 to 2:00PM with a funeral service to begin at 2:00 PM.

Pallbearers are Evan Anderson, Adam Ellender, Weldon Dial, Charlie Dial, Jack Dial and George Dial.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Don’s memory to The Hospice of Baton Rouge.