Acey P. Dials
1931—2024
Acey P. Dials, 93, passed on to his heavenly home Oct. 5, 2024.
Born May 11, 1931, on Bone Hollow in Beauty, he was the son of the late Acie Peter “Pete” and Wilda Jane (Pauley) Dials. He was the 13th of 14 children.
Attending school in the area, Acey graduated from Warfield High School in 1949. After graduation he taught grades K-12 in a one-room schoolhouse for a year before joining the United States Air Force. While stationed in Waco, Texas, he met and married the love of his life, Wanda June Jordan. To their union were born five daughters.
Acey was able to get established in the oil field as a chemical engineer. As his family grew, his career moved them from Texas to Kansas, eventually settling his family in Medicine Lodge. Acey was very dedicated to his career and his family. He would check his oil rigs in the wee hours to make sure he could attend his children’s ballgames or special events the next day. Acey loved his family and devoted his time away from work, making life special for them.
During the holidays, Acey was always the biggest kid in the house. He enjoyed seeing his wife and children happy and having fun. Amazingly there would always be Santa sightings when Acey was “in the shower.” Every Christmas, Acey would give each of his daughters their favorite perfume as a gift from himself.
Every year Acey would take his family on vacation to his childhood home in Kentucky. He was very proud of his heritage and always shared stories about growing up in Bone Holler. Although Acey loved his native Kentucky, he was also interested in Old West history. In their retirement, Acey and June traveled extensively to visit family while also visiting many historic sites along the way.
Throughout his life, Acey never met a stranger. He loved to visit with people, and he passed this piece of advice to his daughters: “In order to have a friend you have to be friendly.” Acey had a host of friends.
Acey is survived by his five daughters: Elizabeth Lawson (Gary), Connie Dials DiPalma (Joe), Theresa Breitenbach (Stan), Loretta VanRanken and Jennifer Dials; stepson John Hovas (Diane); 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda June Dials; parents, Pete and Wilda Dials; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Herbert and Leavie Walling; son-in-law, Howard VanRanken; and granddaughter, Mary Theresa Breitenbach. He was also preceded in death by all his brothers and sisters, infant sisters and infant twin sisters, Oma Dials Muncy (Jim), Ellis Dials, Nona Dials Mills (Howard), Jerome Dials (Betty), Mary Ellen Dials Moore (Dewey), Burgess Dials (Betty), John Dials (Betty), Hattie Mae Dials Cassel (Richard), Gladys Marie Dials Hale (Aaron), and Elmer Dials (Jean).
Funeral services will be conducted Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, at the First Christian Church of Medicine Lodge, with Pastor Tom Walters presiding. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge.
Memorial donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice and can be sent in care of the funeral home: Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St, Harper, KS 67058. Online condolences can be left at prairierosefuneralhomes.com.