*A Life Remembered*
Harrison Dale Soots, known to many as Dale, was a man whose journey through life left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him. Born on October 10, 1961, in Kokomo, Indiana, to parents Harrison William and Vada Mae Soots, Dale’s life was a testament to courage, resilience, and a vibrant spirit.
He was a charming youth and adolescent and could sell you any and everything. He had quite the fan club of older women in the countryside where he lived. He was never without friends and admirers. He was special and spoiled by his older sisters and he loved it.
Dale’s educational journey led him to graduate from Eastern High School in Greentown in 1980. However, his thirst for adventure and his sense of duty soon beckoned him to enlist in the National Guard where he was in Missouri at Fort Leonard Wood and then he was transferred to active duty in the U.S. Army, where he embarked on a new chapter of his life. Dale’s commitment and dedication saw him successfully complete basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He proudly served in Germany, until he was honorably discharged after several years of service. His military service was a testament to his patriotism and his sense of duty to his country.
Following his military career, Dale pursued his interests and talents in various ways. He underwent training programs in truck driver training and automotive mechanics, honing his skills in these areas. Subsequently, he found his calling as a taxi cab driver and later in a ride service that provided invaluable assistance to patients, ensuring they reached their medical appointments safely and comfortably.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dale was a man of many passions. He had a green thumb and took immense pleasure in nurturing plants from their seedling stage to full fruit-bearing. He generously shared the bounties of his gardening skills with those around him. His love for gardening was complemented by his artistic talents; Dale was a skilled airbrush artist and a gifted woodworker. He had ambitious plans to create barn quilt signs and a customized cooler cart for his deck, a testament to his creativity and craftsmanship. In the kitchen, he was an enthusiastic cook, always experimenting with flavors and recipes to delight his family and friends.
Dale’s love for the outdoors was unwavering, and he found solace and joy in nature. Fishing was one of his greatest pleasures, and he cherished every moment spent by the water, regardless of the size of the fish he caught, as he believed in catch-and-release. His love for the outdoors was a reflection of his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
Dale’s character was marked by kindness, a sharp sense of humor, and an unwavering loyalty to his family and friends. He was a sensitive soul who faced health challenges with remarkable courage and grace, living each day to the fullest.
On August 26, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones, Dale passed away peacefully at Life’s Journey Hospice in Avon, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother William Alan Soots, his oldest sister Diana Jane Kiefer, and his nephew Brian Thomas Price, as well as his beloved pets, Eyore the faithful canine, and Nikita and Nina the adorable felines. Dale is survived by his three sisters Marianna Soots (Mary Cooper), Rosanna Price (Donald) and Susanna Soots (Marsha Frazier), several nieces and nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and his cherished cat Nellie.
In honoring Dale’s memory, a private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Hamilton County Humane Society, a cause close to Dale’s heart. His laughter, his warmth, and his zest for life will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Harrison Dale Soots will forever be remembered as a great guy, special in every way.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Cremation Society of Indiana, 4115 Shelby Street. Leave A Message or Share A Memory.
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