Douglas "Dale"

Hampton

Douglas Dale Hampton, son of Ottis and Irene (Bales) Hampton, was born at Dr. K. T.  Carter's Clinic on South Main in Ellington, MO on April 25, 1954 and departed this life on the Hampton family farm in Snow Hollow, Ellington, MO on July 13, 2024.

Dale graduated from Ellington High School with the class of 1972. During that time, he played on the Whippet basketball team that took first place in the Black River League Tournament.

Following graduation, Dale worked on the family farm before taking a job at Ozark Lead Company until it closed.

On October 15, 1977, he was united in marriage to Krista Sulser. To this loving union, three children were born: Benjamin, Andrew and Rebekah.

In 1984, Dale began a 27-year career with the Missouri Department of Transportation, where he would later retire as shed foreman.

Dale was a member of the Ellington United Methodist Church. He served as the church Board Chairman for many years and was a faithful member of the choir. He was also a member of the Ellington School Board for 11 years and served as the board president.

Dale was an avid fisherman and hunter. His love for the outdoors was something that he instilled in his children and grandchildren. Dale's favorite pastimes included looking for mushrooms in the spring and camping, whether it was on the banks of Logan Creek, Black River or Current River.

Dale's love of music came from generations of musicians, and he shared that love with his family. He played in several bands throughout the years, but most loved playing music with his family and with his friends that made up the group Friends Pickin'.

In addition to haying on the farm, Dale spent his retirement years making finely crafted furniture in his woodworking shop. These pieces will be cherished remembrances of his skill and attention to detail. In 2012 Dale and Krista refurbished the family hay barn and opened Barn at the Hamptons as an event venue. They enjoyed hosting weddings, receptions and other gatherings including an annual Hootenanny. His greatest joy was always the time he spent with family and friends.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Ronald Wakefield, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ramona and Gary Vaughn, nephew, Randall Leon Hampton, and great niece, Chelsea Conway and his in-laws Chester and Ruth Sulser.

Survivors include his wife Krista Hampton, his children, Benjamin Hampton (Melissa), Andrew Hampton (Rachel), and Rebekah Embree (Wes), his grandchildren, to whom he will always be remembered as 'Grampy', Thea and Rhett Hampton, Charlotte and Matthew Hampton, and Kate, Lily and Adeline Embree, his brother Leon Hampton (Carole), his sisters Sandy Wakefield and Ranae Buxton (Rick), sister-in-law, Paula Hulse (Randy) and brother-in-law, Paul Sulser (Neita Hunolt).

Dale had a larger than life personality. He always had time to stop and talk to a friend – even if it meant he would be late to where he was going - and he never missed an opportunity to sit down and play music. He will be missed by his family and the entire community.

Visitation: Friday, July 19, 2024, 4-8PM at McSpadden Funeral Home, Ellington, Missouri

Funeral: Saturday, July 20, 2024, 11AM

Minister: Pastor Stan Hargis

Burial: Ellington Memorial Cemetery

Pallbearers: Benjamin Hampton, Andrew Hampton, Leon Hampton, Wes Embree, Ben Jasper, Jason Smith, Donald Reynolds and Ricky Buxton

In Lieu of Flowers: Donations can be made to Morris Cemetery or Smith Pine Valley Cemetery

Arrangements by McSpadden Funeral Home, Ellington, Missouri