Dale Cansler

Ivan Dale Cansler, 90, Springmont Drive, Hopkinsville, KY, passed away Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Jennie Stuart Medical Center of natural causes.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Lamb Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

A native of Christian County, KY, he was born July 14, 1931, the son of the late Dewey D. Cansler and the late Carmon Virtrous (Adams) Cansler. 

Dale joined the U.S Navy at 17 years old and served 21 years. He retired as Master Chief Quartermaster. He served during the Korean War and Vietnam War. He served aboard the USS Rainier, USS Chara , USS Tombigbee, USS Ozbourn, USS Floyd County, USS Worden, USS Constellation and the USS Piedmont.  He was stationed in Hawaii, San Diego, New Orleans, El Paso and Japan. He received an honorable discharge, Meritorious Service Award as a Navigation Department Chief Petty Officer, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Navy Unit commendation ribbon with two bronze stars. Dale also received the Navy Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal, United Nations Medal, and was a member of the United States Navy Fleet Reserve Association.

After retiring from the Navy, he received his Master License of Steam and Motor Vessels Upon Oceans from the U.S. Coast Guard and U. S. Merchant Marines, where he served as Captain of Ocean-going vessels for 20 years.

After retiring from the Merchant Marines, he worked for the Kentucky State Road Department and the United States Postal Service. He was an avid runner well into his 80's and enjoyed ancestry research. Dale was an accomplished musician on the guitar, mandolin, and the fiddle. He enjoyed and loved world travel with his wife by his side. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Neva (Cansler) Bullock; and his brother-in-laws, Barton Bullock and Barrett Durham. 

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Tomika (Furukawa) Cansler, Hopkinsville, KY; his sister, Anna Beth Durham, Hopkinsville, KY; his nephews, Randy (Cheryl) Durham, Crofton, KY, Gary (Deborah) Durham, Paige, TX, and Greg Bullock, Hopkinsville, KY; his nieces, Connie (Greg) Pryor and Melody Gaines, both of Hopkinsville, KY; and several great-nephews and great-nieces. 

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