Clifford “Dale” Hockersmith, 82, of rural Crawfordsville passed away Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in the home he built, with his bride Sandy of nearly 60 years by his side. His wish to be home his final months was made possible by his caregiver Maya Udindo, whom he lovingly referred to as his angel sent from Heaven and she referred to him as “King.”
Dale was born May 2, 1942, at Crawfordsville, son of the late Clifford and Edna Bayless Hockersmith. At the age of two Dale’s mother died and he was raised by his Grandmother Pearl Bayless and Aunt Mary Bayless. He married Sandra Harshbarger on Oct. 18, 1964, and she survives.
Dale was a 1960 graduate of New Market High School and served six years in the National Guard Reserves. Following graduation he delivered coal until he began working at Puritan Manufacturing Company in 1965. Eleven years later in 1976 he purchased the business and renamed it Puritan Water Conditioning. He retired in 2007 leaving his sons to continue the business. He loved being a chauffer to anyone who asked … be it doctors appointments, airport trips and even hauling tractors.
Dale was a licensed pilot for 30 years and owned several different aircrafts. The latest one a Cessna 172 XP, this hobby inspired his son Jeff to follow in his aviation footsteps. Dale was proud in giving many people their first airplane ride. He was a collector of tractors, primarily John Deere, but also had Farmall, Allis-Chalmers and Fords. He was a founding member of the Montgomery County Pioneer Association, and also a member of the Parke County Covered Bridge Antique Association. He participated in several parades all over the state. He also organized and participated in several tractor drives throughout the country side of Montgomery and surrounding counties. He was an avid race fan, both Indy Car and NASCAR. He purchased vehicles from A.J. Foyt Jr. Chevrolet, Jeff Gordon Chevrolet and Dale Earnhart Chevrolet.
Surviving, along with his wife Sandra, are daughter Lynn Hockersmith-Dyer of Crawfordsville; sons, Jeff Hockersmith and Gary (Cindy) Hockersmith, both of Crawfordsville; grandchildren, Jacob, Katie and Derek Bowman, all of Crawfordsville, Jordan (Alexis) Hockersmith of Flagstaff, Arizona, Gabriel (Krysta) Hockersmith of Crawfordsville, Jessica Hockersmith and Ryan (Abbey) Hockersmith, both of Crawfordsville; and caregiver Maya Udindo.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother Maxine; and half brother Dean Hockersmith.
Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 at Browns Valley Christian Church, 9011 State Road 47 South, Crawfordsville. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 at the church, with his good friend Pastor Mike Whitacre officiating. Burial will follow in Indian Creek Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Montgomery County Community Foundation in Dale’s memory. Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate is assisting Dale’s family.
Visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a condolence.
