September 22, 1929 – January 12, 2026
Bill Dale (Bill) Foote was born September 22, 1929, in Coon Hollow in rural Miami, Missouri, to Willie C. and Myrtle M. (Pigg) Foote. He passed away on January 12, 2026, in Cortez, Colorado at the age of 96.
He proudly served his country with the Army. He was stationed in occupied Germany at the end of World War II. He met Bernice Yates in Marshall, Missouri. They were married there on April 6, 1950, and their son, Dale, was born in 1955.
The family moved to Moab, Utah, so Bill could take a teaching job. While in Moab, Bill worked as a school teacher, principal and police officer. It was in Moab that he and Bernice had their daughter, Darla, in 1971.
They opened the Thunderbird Trading Post in Moab. During this time, Bill spent a summer in Gunnison, Colorado, studying silversmithing. He made some beautiful jewelry, including a child-size squash blossom that he made for his little girl.
The family moved to Cortez, Colorado, and opened the Arrowhead Pawn Shop, which they ran until retiring. After retiring, Bill began raising miniature horses. He loved his horses, especially one in particular named Comanche who he taught to shake hands.
He loved his Australian shepherds too. He had several throughout his lifetime.
Bill enjoyed anything outdoors. He went camping, hunting and fishing every chance he got. He liked old westerns and even had the opportunity to work on several westerns that filmed in Moab. He enjoyed reading, doing puzzle books, gardening and going to gun shows and flea markets. He especially enjoyed watching lightning storms.
Bill is survived by his son, William Dale (Maurine) Foote; daughter, Darla Jane (Shawn) French; granddaughter, Connie Lyn (CeCe) Hernandez; bonus daughter, Eugenia Henry; bonus son, Isaiah Johnson; sisters, Betty Mueller and Pat Wyett; his much-loved brother-in-law Wes Yates; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bernice Jane; eight brothers, Johnny, Ottie, Joseph, Frank, Charles, Robert, Ray and Wayne; and by three sisters, Minnie, Ruth and Esther.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 24 at 10 a.m. at the American Legion in Cortez, Colorado. Honorary pall bearers will include Isaiah Johnson, Johnny Archibeque, Paul Van Vleet, Rick Mueller, Patrick Wyett and Mike Wyett.
Bill is in the care of Williams Funeral Home and JWN Crematory in Durango, Colorado.
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