Lewis Dale was a faithful servant to his country, county and the little town of Silverstreet and the dash between his birth and death speaks volumes for the man that will be missed by many.

One could say that Dale was a local legend, the man who was known to many as “Uncle Lewie“ or simply, “Uncle Lew.“

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Dale retired to Silverstreet and became a sheriff’s deputy.

“I worked with Lewie for more than 20 years as a co-worker when I was a deputy and when I became sheriff,” says Sheriff Lee Foster. “When he worked nightshift, I could sleep well knowing the county was in competent and capable hands because Lewie was a judicious person. Lewie also had a unique ability to deal with difficult situations and could bring a gentle resolve.“

Foster says he is not sure how long Dale worked for the county, but knows he was deputized under three sheriffs. “Lewie was such an affable person that we came to call him ‘Uncle Lewie’.“

When Dale’s health declined, he retired and became a bailiff at the Court House.

But Dale’s duties to his community didn’t stop with being a lawman.

He was also on call around the clock with Silverstreet Volunteer Fire Department for close to half-a-century.

With his home across from the fire department, Dale was always one of the first of the volunteer firemen at the station.

He was known for being at the station on Saturdays to answer the weekly test of the fire sirens. When there was a fire call, he would have the station open and fire trucks started and ready to roll for the volunteers headed into the station.

“Day or night, he was ready to go,“ says longtime fire department member Dave Waldrop.

Waldrop says he only remembers Dale missing one meeting at the department, and that was the last one it had.

Dale was also the Silverstreet Police Chief and widows in the community knew they could call on him for assistance.

“He did home repairs for them and took them places. There were many, many people that counted on him,“ said Foster. “I think one thing people don’t know is how much he cared for his community in Silverstreet.“

Dale was also a member of the Silverstreet Ruritans and led the push for the club and community to save the old Silverstreet school auditorium.

His sister-in-law, Shirley Berry, says she doubts the club, or the saving of the auditorium, will survive without his push.

“For many years he was my brother-in-law, but over the past 12 years he became my brother,” said Berry.

Then there were the other commitments that Dale made.

He and wife, Vera Nell, were known for their baking abilities and at one time sold delectable cakes out of their home.

Stand-up small Christmas trees were a favorite at Christmas, stand-up doll cakes with hoop skirts were the dream of little girls’ birthdays and his five-flavor pound cake was a treat anytime.

On Saturday, as rain fell, Dale was honored with full military rites as he was laid to rest at Silverstreet Lutheran Church. His fellow deputies, firefighters and Ruritan members served as his honorary pallbearers.

“I will personally miss him. My children, especially Amelia, loved to go to his house during Christmas because he had all kinds of displays in his yard. When my son Joseph was really into Thomas the Tank Engine, he built him a huge train table that got great usage,“ said Foster. “He was just a great guy and I shall miss him deeply.“