MANSON, Dale R.

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona, January 12, 2014 Dale R. Manson, age 89, of Peoria AZ passed away peacefully January 10, 2014 following a brief illness. Dale was born in Tulsa Ok., in 1925 to George and Nelle Manson who along with his Brother Clair, preceded him in death. He spent his youth in Lyons Kansas and attended Kansas State Univ. In 1950 Dale married Mardella (Mardy) Helms and had a loving relationship that lasted 63 years, and resulted in three wonderful children. Dale was first employed by the Boeing Company in Wichita Ks., where he was one of the early computer programmers. He later held several management positions with General Electric and retired from Kerr-McGee Corp. in Oklahoma City where he was IS/IT Director. Upon moving to Peoria, he became a charter member of the Westbrook Village Golf Club. In addition to his wife, Dale is survived by a son Mark (Linda) of Glendale, two daughters, Marci Koetter-Manson (Ron) of Norman Oklahoma, and Marla Childs (David) of Phoenix. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren – Kari, Rebecca, Adria, Jessie, Ian, Devon, Trey and four great-grandchildren. Dale was a lifelong member of the Methodist church. He initially joined the First United Methodist church of Phoenix in 1966, and resumed his membership following his retirement in 1985. Funeral services will be held at the church located at 5510 N. Central Ave., Jan 14, at 1:00pm. Interment will be held later in the church's memorial garden.