Dale Gene Awtry died at the age of 88 on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at his home in Galesburg. Following visitation 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13, his funeral service was held at 11 a.m. at Wallace Family Home and Crematory in Newton.
Dale Gene Awtry, son of Charles and Ruby (Russell) Awtry, was born Oct. 3, 1938, in Galesburg. He graduated from Newton High School in 1957. During high school, he started working for his dad shelling corn. Nov. 30, 1963, Gene was united in marriage with Carolyn Hanson at United Presbyterian Church in Goldfield. They would make their home just across the street from Gene’s parents in Galesburg. During that time, Gene also served in the Iowa National Guard. In the 1970s, Gene purchased his own semi and hauled grain and feed ingredients for over 50 years. He took great pride in his truck and was meticulous about caring for it. After retirement, Gene ran errands to get parts for Star Auto until becoming ill.
Gene enjoyed going to Knoxville Raceway and taking annual trips to Branson with Carolyn and Shirley every October. He loved his family and faithfully attended all of his grandchildren’s activities. Gene also was proud to have received a “Million Mile” jacket, signifying the miles he drove during his trucking career.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law Richard Butin and Andy Hanson.
Gene is survived by his wife Carolyn of Galesburg; daughters Angie (Jim) Hardenbrook of Altoona and Kendra (Tim) Annee of Galesburg; his grandchildren Justin Hardenbrook, Alexis (Samuel) Loyd, Josh (Brooklyn) Hardenbrook, and Ryan (Cally) Annee; one great-grandchild on the way; his sister Shirley Butin of St. Louis, MO; his sisters-in-law Lea (Nick) Andersen, Cindy (Duane) Sampson, and Fae (Mark) Lykke; and several nieces and nephews.
