Dale Edwin Hamaker, 84, began a new chapter of his life in the place prepared for him by his Lord on February 9, 2014. Dale was born and raised outside of Leesville, Louisiana. He graduated from LSU in August 1950 with a degree in Petroleum Engineering and was a member of the ROTC. After graduation, he served in the Army Engineering Corps in Korea and then worked in Texas for Texaco for almost 30 years. He also worked for Goldking Production/Goldrus Drilling Co. and later started an oil company, Petromac, Inc. in December 1985.

Dale was married to his high school sweetheart, Chlora Dell Conerly for 56 years before her death in 2006. He is also preceded in death by his parents Clark W. Hamaker and Dovie McRae Hamaker. Dale is survived by his children David Hamaker of Richmond, Texas; Diane and her husband Jimmy Thomas of Houston, Texas; grandchildren Arielle and her husband Kody Martinez, Gabby Hamaker, Rachel, Kristen, and Amber Thomas, and great-granddaughter Bailee Martinez. Survivors also include his brother Jackie Hamaker and his wife Margie, sister Barbara Bowles, and sister Judy and her husband Randell McCullough, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who love and honor him.

Dale's distinguished life was characterized by hard work, determination, faith, and family. After serving his country in Korea, he moved to Texas and commenced work with Texaco as a Civil Engineer. He was transferred to many places along the Texas Gulf Coast, including Sinton, Alice, Freer, Corpus Christi, El Campo, and finally Houston where he lived from 1968 to 1993. During his time in Houston, Dale continued to work for Texaco until 1978, then joined Goldking Production Company as a Vice President. In 1985 Dale and a business partner started their own oil production company, Petromac, Inc. with production in Anderson, Harris, and Colorado Counties.

Dale and Chlora moved to Onalaska, TX in 1993 where they spent many happy years overlooking Lake Livingston. Dale was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Livingston, as well as a Third Degree Mason. He was active in many community and professional organizations including the Society of Petroleum Engineers, AARP, DMA, and Methodist Men. During his time in Houston, he was an active member of Fair Haven United Methodist Church where he served as Chairman of the Administrative Board. Dale loved the outdoors and spent his spare time hunting, fishing, traveling around the world, and spending time with his family. Dale was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and child of God. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 14, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston, TX. One of Dale's best friends, Reverend Don Willis, will preside over the Funeral Service on Saturday, February 15 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Livingston, 2801 US HWY 190W, Livingston, Texas. A graveside service and interment will take place the same day at 4:00 p.m. at Self Cemetery in Anacoco, Louisiana. Immediately following the service in Livingston, friends are invited to join the family for lunch in the Fellowship Hall of the church.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that contributions in Dale's memory be made to First United Methodist Church of Livingston, 2801 US HWY 190W, Livingston, TX 77351 or MD Anderson Cancer Research.

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com