DALE LONGMIRE: Obituary

DALE LONGMIRE

Dale Alan Longmire, 59, of Sarasota, Fla., died on Dec. 11, 2009, at Ridgelake Hospital, following an extended illness.

He was born Feb. 23, 1950, son of Rose and the late Ed Longmire.

Dale graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1968. He graduated from West Virginia University in 1972. He fell in love with the circus when he was five years old. The circus was his one ambition and after graduating from college, he sent an application to Ringling Bros. Clown College. Out of 3,000 applicants, he was one of 50 chosen to attend. He traveled throughout the United States, performing in many cities. He also performed in New York at Madison Square Garden. He designed the costumes he wore. Just recently, an anonymous circus fan sent an email stating Dale was a beautiful clown and had the most beautiful costumes he had ever seen. He also performed with Vargas, Bently Brothers and recently worked for Walker Brothers Circus in Sarasota, where he was the office manager. He was a lifetime member of First Methodist Church in Parkersburg.

He will be sadly missed, not only by his family and friends in Parkersburg, but his wonderful adopted "family" in the circus world.

Dale was preceded in death by his father, Ed Longmire.

Surviving are his mother, Rose; a brother and sister, Tom Longmire of Parkersburg and Linda Mason and husband, Mike, of Knoxville, Tenn.; one nephew, Tommy Mason and his daughters, Sidney and Shea of Knoxville, Tenn.; one niece, Rebecca Mason and her daughter, Shelby of Knoxville; uncles, Reese Blizzard of Parkersburg and Wayne and his wife, Jackie Longmire; and cousins, Christine and Bruce Wilson, Jenny and Mike Knotts, Joe and John Longmire.

There will be a visitation from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at Leavitt Funeral Home. Services will be 3 p.m. Friday. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery with Dr. Tim Allen officiating.

After the first of the year, a memorial service will be held in Sarasota, Fla., at "Showfolks" where he was president for two years.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.leavittfuneralhome.com