1st Lt. Dale Bryant Shillington II, 25, of Enid, Oklahoma, departed this earth on Thursday, July 21st, 2016 doing what he loved, flying in an airplane. Born July 12, 1991, Dale grew up in Lawrence, KS, where he graduated from Lawrence Free State High School in 2009. There, he enjoyed playing soccer and golf, and met the love of his life, Courtney. In 2009, Dale attended the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs for his undergraduate degree on an Air Force scholarship. While in college, Dale completed the Air Force ROTC program in Boulder, Colorado. Aspiring to be like his late grandfather and namesake, 1st Lt. Dale Bryant Shillington, USAF, a B-24 Liberator pilot in WWII, Dale earned a slot to attend Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). In May 2013, Dale was awarded his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, and was assigned to Vance Air Force Base in Enid, OK, for UPT. After completing Initial Flight Screening (IFS) in Pueblo, CO, Dale returned to Vance to continue his training in the T-6 Texan II. Through his sheer determination, hard work, and dedication, Dale earned the opportunity to fly the T-38C Talon. Dale’s passion for flying encouraged leadership to select Dale as a First Assignment Instructor Pilot (FAIP) for the T-38C upon earning his pilot wings in August 2015. In his short time in the Air Force, Dale was recognized for his effort and loyalty by receiving the Leadership Award and the Risner “Wingman” Award in his flight class JSUPT 15-13. In addition, he was awarded the Crane Award as the top pilot among 850 in the 2015 Pilot Instructor Training classes in San Antonio, TX. Dale was known for his intensity and his competitive attitude in everything he did. He enjoyed snow skiing, soccer, golfing, and many more activities. His humility led himself to victory by out-hustling his competition. Dale was an avid do-it-yourselfer and always tackled projects no matter the difficulty, even if that meant looking it up on YouTube or reaching out to his dad, Kevin, or father-in-law, Allen. Dale was quite the negotiator and trader in attempt to find the best deal he could possibly get. Dale married Courtney Elyse Moore on May 20, 2013 in Las Vegas, NV. The couple resided in Enid, OK. Together, they filled their weekends with backyard BBQ’s with friends and family, trips to new places and DIY projects. They loved spending time with their dogs, Sadie and Sampson, who also participated in Dale and Courtney’s marathon training. Dale’s personality left a lasting impression on everyone who met him. He will be greatly missed by all, but is not gone forever. He will be a guiding Wingman to all, where the sky is the limit. Dale is survived by his wife, Courtney Shillington (Moore), parents Kevin and Sue Shillington (Carrow) of Sacramento, CA, brother Chad Higbie (wife Paula and son Harrison) of Lawrence, KS, sister Kristin Shillington of Niceville, FL, grandparents Jack and Nancy Carrow of Wellsville, KS, grandmother LaVonne Shillington of Manhattan, KS, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Allen and Paige Moore of Lawrence, KS, sister-in-law Lindsey Moore and fiancé Brad Emge of Lansing, IL, along with many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 29 from 6-8pm at the Holmeswood Baptist Church, 9700 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO 64131. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 30 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO 64131 at 10:25am. A burial with full military honors will be held at Mt. Moriah Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to the River Rats Organizations (www.river-rats.org) to benefit the children of fallen aviators.
Anderson-Burris Funeral Services.
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