Vale Victor Dexter, 84, of Bancroft passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday, May 17, 2008. He was born December 14, 1923 in Hull, Goshen, Wyoming the 4th child of 10 born to Vernon Orin and Hannah Rosenthal DeGraw Dexter. He was raised and educated in Palisades Colorado before joining the Army in 1943. He served as a demolitions specialist with the Co A 160th Engineering Battalion in the invasion of Normandy Beach. Immediately upon discharge went back to work for Union Pacific Railroad where he worked until his retirement in 1984.
Vale was married in 1947 to Julia Allen in Elko, NV. They had 2 children, Valetta Jean "Vicki" and Jimmie Vernon Dexter. They were later divorced.
He married Pauline Young Naylor in 1956 in Soda Springs, ID. They had 4 children, John C Naylor, Andrew Lane, Roy Elmer and Valeen Kay Dexter. They were later divorced.
Vale enjoyed the outdoors teaching his children to hunt and be independent. He was an avid fan for many years of the North Gem sports and enjoyed collecting coins. For many years after his retirement Vale cut and sold firewood to many local residents.
He is survived by his children, John (Shanna) Dexter, Burley, ID; Vicki (Col. Michael) Cudehey, Albuquerque, NM; Jimmie (Donna) Dexter, Grace; Andrew Dexter, Burley, ID; Roy (Dixie) Dexter, Grace; and Kay (Aaron) Sheppick of Lava Hot Springs. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, a brother Andrew (Sharon) Dexter, Napa Valley, CA and a sister Wanda Reno of Troutdale, OR.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Giesle Dexter, his parents, his brothers Orin; Jimmie; and Eugene Dexter, and sisters, Verna Cook; Martha Bosh; Lougena Fowler and Ronna Dexter.
Graveside Services were conducted on Thursday, May 22nd at Noon at the Bancroft Cemetery.