Herbert J. Dailing
Wenatchee, Washington
February 1, 2008

Herbert J. Dailing's battle with cancer and heart disease ended February 1, 2008, at home, surrounded by his family. It was standing room only. He was born on September 8, 1927, to Herbert P. and Dorothy L. Dailing in Moline, IL. Herb spent his formative years in the Moline area, also known as the Quad Cities, and graduated from Rock Island Illinois High School in 1945. He was a child of the Great Depression and came of age at the end of World War II. Herb enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945 and served until 1948. He was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Norris and the U.S.S. Vammen as a radarman second class. The Navy took him to San Diego and various locales in China. In his later years, Herb enjoyed reconnecting with his shipmates via the internet.

He met Martha Conley at a roller rink in 1949 - she neglected to mention that she was a preacher's daughter. A few days later, Herb called Martha and was surprised when Reverend Conley answered the telephone. He considered calling the whole thing off then, but the relationship developed and the couple was married on March 9, 1952 with Reverend Conley officiating. They had three children, Dan (1954), Ann (1957) and Jennifer (1976).

In 1953, a temporary job with the U.S. Postal Service turned into a career. Herb was a letter carrier and VOMA (Vehicle Operations Maintenance Assistant) for the Postal Service for 35 years, until his retirement in 1988. Prior to the Postal Service, he worked as a circulation clerk and apprentice in the composing room at the Rock Island (IL) Argus. After retirement, Herb, Martha and Jennifer relocated to Wenatchee, WA, to be closer to their two grown children. He worked part-time at Wells and Wade Hardware until it closed. Herb was an avid golfer in his 40s and 50s and believed that golf carts spoiled the game; it's better to walk the course. Herb volunteered for several years at golf events such as the Quad City Open where he met the likes of Mickey Mantle, Ed McMahon, Jerry Lewis and Arnold Palmer. He found Palmer to be a class act because of his graciousness with fans and often said, "Arnold Palmer made golf."

Herb was a member and served as a Deacon at First Christian Church of Moline, IL, and Cornerstone (Central) Christian Church of Wenatchee, WA. He drove the church bus at First Christian for youth and adult trips to Florida, Niagra Falls and New Orleans, as well as many other places.

He is survived by his wife, Martha; three children, Dan Dailing, Ann (John) Bailey and Jennifer (Jaimie) Waite; six grandchildren, Dan Smith, Megan, Katie and Emma Bailey, and Jack and Charlotte Waite; and one great-grandchild, Kyler Smith; as well as his beloved brother and best friend, Bill Dailing, and his family who still reside in the Quad Cities. Herb is also survived by numerous friends and extended family in Illinois and Washington. Family was his main focus, especially in later years of his life. He was a loyal, dependable, hard worker who provided amply for his family, then himself. Herb will be remembered for his warm heart, sense of humor, integrity and good looks. His loved ones will remember him fondly, miss him terribly, but know that Heaven is better today than it was yesterday. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 23, 2008, at Cornerstone Christian Church, 12 North Chelan Avenue in Wenatchee. Memorial gifts may be made to Cornerstone Christian Church.