Dale Lloyd Bozeman, Sr.

Dale Lloyd Bozeman, Sr., of Groesbeck, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Monday, July 31, 2023, at age 87.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 3, 2023, in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel.

A graveside service at Lost Prairie Cemetery will be held first at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 4, 2023.  Immediately following the graveside service, a Memorial Service will be held inside the Freestone Baptist Church, with Pastor Stephen Davenport officiating. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Donnie Dockery, Danny Joe Henderson, Tommy Jones, Tony Fraley, Richard Fraley, George Bozeman, and Troy Bozeman.

Dale was born August 31, 1935, to William Overton Bozeman and Muzetta Mae (Johnston) Bozeman in Kosse.  While he was growing up, the family lived in Texas City and Personville.   During his high school years, it was necessary for Dale to take a few years out of school to help the family, while some of his brothers served in the military; however, he graduated from Fair Oaks High School where he had played basketball.  While he was young, the money he earned from work went to his mother to help with the younger kids.  His father taught him well in life skills and he could fix anything.

Dale moved to Houston to work for Houston Light and Power, and there he met the love of his life, Beverly Rathke, through their common friends.

Dale and Beverly were united in marriage on August 31, 1957 (his birthday) and lived in Houston until they decided to move to a smaller town to raise their family. Their son and daughters were raised in Waco and China Spring, and Dale worked for Brazos Electric in Waco.   For many years, he maintained all the company’s vehicles and equipment, using his skills as a gasoline and diesel mechanic, as well as a welder and electrician.  He worked his way up to Senior Construction Superintendent before his retirement after 35 years.

Dale was a great father and passed on his skills to his son Dale, teaching him everything he knew.  He taught his daughters to take care of their own cars, changing the oil and tires themselves, and then later teaching his son-in-law his skills.  Dale enjoyed deer hunting and fishing and time with “the boys”, which included his son, his son’s friends, son-in-law and grandsons.  He knew all the back roads and fishing holes.   Many times, Beverly and the girls would join them, and the joy of being together as a family was the greatest part of those times. 

After living in the Waco area almost all their married life, when he retired, Dale and Beverly moved back to Groesbeck which was near his “home.”   Dale remained close to all his brothers and their families.

Dale was a great Christian man and servant of the Lord.  He was a member of Freestone Baptist Church, where he was ordained as deacon.  He taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School classes and was always ready to help in repairs to the building when needed.

Dale was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the last few weeks, but still tried to take care of everything as long as he could, and making sure his children were taking care of their mother.  He adored all his family and doted on the grandchildren.   The family will treasure their memory of how throughout the years, his eyes always lit up when he looked on Beverly.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; and nine siblings: brothers, Larston, Delmer, Normie, Billy, Terry and Lester Bozeman, and sisters, Charlie Bozeman, Lanette Dockery and Lanell Russell.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Beverly Bozeman of Groesbeck; son and daughter-in-law, Dale and Wendy Bozeman, Jr. of Texas City; daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Mark Fraley of Woodway; daughter, Holly Bozeman of Hewitt; grandsons, Tony and wife Melissa Fraley of Hewitt and Richard and wife Ashley Fraley of Claremore, OK; granddaughters, Shelby Bozeman and husband Aaron Murphree of Texas City, Jessica Hill of Gatesville, Hailey Hill of Hewitt and Hannah and A.J. Haffelder of Bastrop.   The great grandchildren are Emily and Michael Gallo, Kendall and David Shelby, Willow, Jackson and Luna Fraley, Mason and Lauren Fraley, and Clara Murphree.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, George and Peggy Bozeman of Groesbeck, Troy and Alice Bozeman of Groesbeck, Jane Bozeman of Groesbeck, and Gathel Bozeman of Edmond, OK; Shirley Blankenship and her husband John; and several nieces and nephews, cousins, and special friends.