Dale Pennington

    Our beloved Dale Pennington, 75, passed from this life July 10, 2014. He was born March 18, 1939, in Stamford and grew up on a cotton farm in Haskell, where he developed his affinity for agriculture.
    Dale graduated from Texas A&M University in 1961 and was commissioned into the U.S. Army and held the rank of captain. Dale returned to Texas A&M, where he earned his Ph.D. in soil chemistry. Dale served as assistant county agent and 4-H leader in Jackson County; Extension assistant soil chemist in College Station; Extension area agronomist of Districts 12 and14 in Weslaco; Extension soil chemist of Districts 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 in Lubbock; and Extension soil chemist in College Station.
    He developed two computer diagnostic programs, STANAS and WATERS, for soil and water recommendations. He also conducted research on hydroponics, which has been used in the Mars space project.
    Dale contributed to and wrote many articles and abstracts concerning the field of agronomy. Due to Dale’s vast knowledge and innovative ideas, he received numerous awards and honors in water and soil education. In 1999, Dale was recognized by Texas A&M for his outstanding service and dedication to the Texas Agriculture Extension Service and his commitment and efforts to help the people of Texas with their soil, water, crop production and environmental needs by receiving the title of professor and Extension specialist emeritus.
    Dale’s education, passion and spirit were tied to the earth. He took much pleasure from working with 4-H kids, raising cattle, pecans, hay and fishing. Dale loved a good tune and dancing; he would find a partner and give them a whirl.
    Dale had a tremendous influence on most everyone with whom he came into contact and offered sage advice and comfort in many situations. His love of life, people and the earth around him will be greatly missed.
    Dale was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Carmen May Pennington. He is survived by their son, Shannon Pennington. Dale is also survived by his wife, Raylene Pennington; step-daughters, Deah Moore and Sonya Dame; sister, Janet Syling; niece, Doras Johnson; and nephews, Keith Vickers and Darren and Doyle Syling.
    A funeral service was held July 14 at Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home in Llano.
    Memorials may be sent to Hill Country Memorial Hospital Foundation of Fredericksburg at P.O. Box 1339, Fredericksburg, TX 78642. Donations in Dale’s memory also may be made to the Jackson County 4-H Club, 411 N. Wells, Edna, TX 77957.