Tipp City Herald - Veteran

MULLENIX, DALE I. - City says farewell to American hero - In his book The Greatest Generation, broadcast journalist Tom Brokaw called those who fought in World War II "the greatest generation any society has produced". Tipp City resident Dale Mullenix proved that those words were much more than just empty flattery. When Mullenix passed away on July 16 at the age of 87, Tipp City lost a man whose heroics continued on long after the guns had gone silent in the European and Pacific theatres. After earning two Purple Hearts defending America from the specter of Nazi-ism, Mullenix concentrated on making the Tipp City community great. For retired Tipp City Police Department Sergeant Ron Re. Mullenix's life as a civilian was when his real contribution began. "Dale contributed more in peacetime than in wartime," Re said. "He did more in the community than in the service." It was during his first Mum Parade back in 1968 that Re first met the war veteran in the midst of giving to the community. Unlike most heroes, Mullenix's first appearance was not on a great white stallion. Like any proud member of the Masonic Lodge, Mullenix made his introduction in a Shriner mini car. "Here comes this guy in a little car." Re reminisced. "He's coming pretty fast. I stopped him wanting to know what was going on. He told me he was with the Shrine and was just getting the mini cars ready for the parade. I didn't give him a ticket or anything. I was just interested in knowing what was going on." Community service motivated everything Mullenix did. The Masonic Lodge provided an outlet for his generous spirit. As head of the Eastern Star, Mullenix and his wife Florence made major contributions to the Tipp City Police Department. When the Department began a rape seminar to educate local women and heighten awareness, it was the Mullenix couple who bought the seminar video. Dale and Florence never had any children of their own. That did not stop, however, the couple from loving other children. If a child burn victim was brought to his attention, Mullenix would make the arrangements and personally transport the child to the Shrine Burn and Crippled Children's Hospital in Lexington. "I would hope that all of us masons take the obligations of Masonry seriously." said fellow Mason Re. "I believe he did." What made all who knew Mullenix marvel was the fact that he never expected anything in return for his good deeds. Like many members of the Great Generation, Mullenix believed that good deeds should be done because they are the right thing to do, not in order to gain rewards. "He wasn't looking for recognition," Re said. "He felt like he was doing something that made a difference. Mullenix was also no stranger to local politics. As a member of the Miami County Republicans, Mullenix recognized and appreciated the importance of citizen participation in the political process. This motivated him to work with the voting machines at the precincts during election time. When Mullenix wasn't busy getting the vote out, he was busy on the gridiron. For 50 years, the veteran worked the chain gang at Tippecanoe High School. While watching the pig skin get passed to and fro by the football team, Mullenix let his giving spirit shine through. Fellow chain gang member John Borchers was pleasantly surprised when he and the rest of the chain gang received customized jackets, courtesy of Mullenix. "He was a good guy who would do anything for anybody," said Borchers. While remembering Mullenix, local author Mike Jackson commented, "They just don't build guys like that anymore." If that is the case, Mullenix has certainly received the better part of the deal, and Tipp City has lost someone who is irreplaceable.

MULLENIX, DALE I. - Dale I. Mullenix, age 87 of Tipp City, died July 16, 2008 at Vandalia Park Care Center after an extended illness. He was born Feb. 20, 1921 in Potsdam, to Luie V. and Onda P. (Miller) Mullenix. Dale retired after 33 1/2 years with A. O. Smith Corporation and was an Army Veteran of WWII, for his service he was awarded two Purple Hearts. A member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Tipp City; life member of the American Legion, VFW, and DAV. A member of Tippecanoe Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, Antioch Shrine, and Olelka Shrine Lexington, KY, Order of Eastern Star, and past Worthy Patron in 1954. Dale drove little red cars in the Shriner's Parade for 16 years and transported burn injured children to the Shrine Burn and Cripple Children's Hospital in Lexington, President of the Tipp City Mum Festival in 1973 and Parade Marshall for 12 years. A member of the Kentucky Colonels and worked for over 50 years on the chain gang for the Tippecanoe High School football team. He was preceded in death by his wife Florence in 1992, brothers Roger D., Paul E., James L., Max G., and sisters Helen Mullenix and Marjorie Worley. Surviving are his sisters Ruby Laub, Vandalia; Mary Thalman, Lauderdale, FL; Esther and husband Rollin Thompson, Pitsburg, OH; sister-in-law Mary Ann Mullenix, Covington; and many, many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held today at Frings and Bayliff Funeral Home, 327 West Main Street, Tipp City, OH 45371. Burial in Miami Memorial Park, Covington.

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