G. Dale Gleason, 78, of Hutchinson, died Dec. 1, 2009, at Hospice House in Hutchinson.

He was born Nov. 24, 1931, at Ponca, Neb., the son of Glenn Arah and Edith Ann Swisher Gleason.

He graduated from Ponca High School, Wayne State University, received his Master's Degree from University of Arkansas, and received his Doctorate at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash. He moved to Hutchinson with his wife in 1961 from Plattsmouth, Neb., and was American Literature and English Professor at Hutchinson Community College for 32 years, retiring in 1993. He was the Dept. Chairman for 20 years.

Dale was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, where he was the church organist for 30 years; a member of the American Guild of Organists; a member of both the state and national Committees for the Endowment of Humanities; Lysle Rishel Post #68 of the American Legion; and was very active with the North Central Accreditation for Colleges and Universities. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Korean War as a medic.

Dale married Iona A. Messerschmidt on Aug. 14, 1955, in Pender, Neb. She died Aug. 10, 2008.

Survivors include: a son, Scott Gleason, and wife Kelley, Carmel, Indiana; and a sister, Frances Kulla, Fulton, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Kenneth, Earl and Claire; and two sisters, Florence and Edna.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum in Hutchinson. Mr. Gleason will lie in state today 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary, where the family will greet friends this evening 7 to 8 pm.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Zion Lutheran Church-Organ Fund or The G. Dale and Iona A. Gleason Music Scholarship Fund at Hutchinson Community College, both sent in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.