A Celebration of Life for Dale Adrian, Age 77 of Alton, Missouri will be held on Friday, June 26th, 2026 at The Country Meadows Event Center, Rover, Missouri, beginning at 5:00 PM under the direction of The Clary Funeral Home, Alton, Missouri.
Dale Morgan Adrian, age 77, of Alton, Missouri, passed away on June 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on October 25, 1948, in Raymondville, Texas, Dale was the youngest of five children born to Hank and Agnes Adrian. He grew up in Alton, Missouri, where he learned the values of family, hard work, and community that stayed with him throughout his life.
As a young man, Dale left home to serve his country in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1969 aboard the USS Enterprise. After his military service, he returned home to the Ozarks, where he raised his family and became a well-known and loved member of the community. He loved his country and was proud of his service in the United States Navy.
In 1978, Dale married Beverly Boxx Whittenburg, and together they built a life centered on family, love, and the Lord. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who loved nothing more than spending time with the people he cared about.
A man of strong faith, Dale was a proud Gideon since May 16, 1996 and a devoted member of Royal Oak Baptist Church. He loved the Lord, loved God’s Word, and lived out his beliefs through kindness, generosity, and service to others.
Dale never met a stranger. Known and loved throughout the community, he had a gift for making friends wherever he went. He never forgot a name, and if he met you once, chances are he would remember you years later. He was quick with a joke, loved to laugh, and always had a story to tell—sometimes a very long one.
His home was a place where people felt welcome. If you drove up his driveway, there was a good chance you would be invited to pull up a chair, stay awhile, and share a visit. Whether gathered around a card table with family and friends or sitting and talking for hours, Dale made people feel at home.
He will also be remembered for making what many considered the best pulled pork around. If you were fortunate enough to enjoy it, you knew it was something special.
Dale is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly; his children, Keith Adrian and wife Tammy of Lebanon, Missouri; Dawn Broksas and husband Erich of Arlington, Virginia; Tammy Lunyou and husband Terry of Caulfield, Missouri; Kenny Whittenburg and wife Nikki of Eminence, Missouri; Leon Adrian of Alton, Missouri; and foster daughter Marie Smith and husband Adam of Hardy, Arkansas.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brock and wife Lisa of West Plains, Missouri; Victoria of Winona, Missouri; Elizabeth of Mountain View, Missouri; Patrick and Kayla of Bonne Terre, Missouri; Matthew of Winona, Missouri; Joshua of Springfield, Missouri; Max of Arlington, Virginia; Layla of Arlington, Virginia; and Skylar of West Plains, Missouri; along with 22 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He is also survived by his siblings, Martha Ann Cartee, Eleanor Williams and husband Roger, Juanita Jett, and Wayne Adrian.
Dale was preceded in death by his father, Hank Adrian; his mother, Agnes Adrian; his grandson, Landon; his sister-in-law, Betty Adrian; and his brothers-in-law, Phillip Jett and Don Cartee.
