Dale 'Cowboy' Hancock

After spending one final Christmas with his family, Dale D ‘Cowboy' Hancock, 85, passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2009, at the Idaho State Veterans Home of natural causes.

The youngest of three children, Dale was born March 20, 1924, in Rexburg, Idaho to Daniel Riley and Lola May Miller Hancock. Due to his mother's poor health, he spent his first six years with his maternal grandparents, Jesse and Hannah Miller. During those years, special bonds were formed with his grandparents and their influence remained throughout his life.

At age six, he returned to live with his parents so that he could start school. He was raised in the Garfield-Rigby area spending much of his time working on the farm, and enjoying other activities with friends and family. He graduated from Ucon High School in 1942.

He served in the Navy during World War II from January 1944 until April 1946. He service included both the European and Pacific fronts.

Returning from the war, he married Mary Jean DaBell in Rigby, Idaho on November 1, 1946. Their marriage was blessed with four children. In 1955, the family moved to Pocatello making it their home. That year, with business partner, Dick Geisler, he started Cowboy Oil Company. Many long hours were spent building the business. In addition, throughout his life he enjoyed finding new business and investment opportunities which enabled him to form many lasting associations and friendships.

Dale dearly loved his wife and supported his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family gatherings were important to him. He took his family and extended family on many wonderful vacations together. Commenting about his family, he would often say, “There's not a bad one in the bunch.”

He was a member of the LDS church and was supportive of various programs within the church. He enjoyed raising and racing horses, playing cards, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Dale is survived by daughter, Roxie (Bruce) Wilson and their children, Todd, Shane, Danielle, Kyle, Katie, and Amy; son, Roger (Jean) and their children, Marty, Michelle, Jackie, and Christine; daughter, JoLyn and her children, Josh and Jordan; son, Ryan (Carol) and their children, Shannon, Alex, Holly, and Jonny; and 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Izetta (Gale) Bramwell. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jean, his parents, brother, Virgil, and grand-daughter, Kimberly Dawn Wilson.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, Idaho 83202.

The family would like to thank the staff Idaho State Veterans Home for the compassionate care given to their father during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Idaho State Veterans Home in Pocatello.