John Allen Dale Short, age 63 of Media, Illinois died at 12:15 p.m. Friday June 14, 2013 at his home. He was born October 11, 1949 in Cave City, Kentucky, the son of John Milton and Ruby Coates Short. On April 5, 1974, he married Gloria Ann Staley in Little York, Illinois.

Dale was a veteran of the United States Army, being stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War. He was employed as a custodian for Southern & West Central Schools for the past thirty four years. Most recently helped at the West Central Pre-School where he proudly claimed seventy extra grandchildren. He loved playing with his grandchildren and his adopted pre-school students, and enjoyed teaching them to ride bikes. He was an avid hunter and outdoors man and loved helping other people. He was a member of the Carman United Methodist Church and the Mad Mens Club of the Church.

Survivors include his wife, two sons- Bryan Dale (Anna) Short of Burlington, IA., Brandon John (Jessica) Short of Des Moines, IA., two grandchildren- Gunner Dale Short and Hadlee Mae Short, his father in law- Loren Staley of Monmouth, IL., three sisters- Janice Short of Monmouth, IL., Rosemary (Tony) Martin of Cameron, IL., Pam Ouellette of Jacksonville, FL., one brother - Jerry Short of Monmouth, IL., and two sisters in law- Lorna (Glenn) Cox of Roseville, IL., and Diane (Joe) Choronzak of East Moline, IL.

The funeral service for Dale Short will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday June 17, 2013 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst with Rev. Steve Hartman officiating. Burial with Military Rites will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery near Media. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Banks & Beals, where the family will be present from 6:00 until 8:00 pm. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be left at www.banksandbeals.com