Dale W. Sunderland's Obituary
Decatur – Dale W. Sunderland, M.D., 94, of Decatur, passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2016, in Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Sunderland was born in Fisher, IL, the son of Glade and Zora (Moore) Sunderland. He was raised on a farm at the edge of Fisher, during those early years. He graduated from Fisher High School in 1939. He was very active in high school both athletically and musically. He sang in the Glee Club and boy’s Glee Club, sang solos and was active in the male quartette. He played basketball and he was captain during his senior year.
He married Betty Crooks of Fisher, IL in 1943. She precedes him in death. He married Peggy Dickson in 1980, the love of his life, his rock. He graduated from the University of Illinois Medical School in 1945. He interned at Grant Hospital in Chicago for 1 year and then spent 2 years in the Air Force Medical Corp., most of that being at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul.
He practiced general medicine in Rantoul from 1948 to 1960 and then in Lincoln, Il from 1960 thru 1964. During those years, he delivered many babies, which was his favorite part of medicine at that time. He also became interested in the use of Psychiatry in the practice of medicine, especially in delivering babies. He was invited to become a faculty member at Lincoln Christian Seminary in Lincoln, IL in the late 1950’s, teaching 2 hours a week during those years. This was one of the reasons why he and his family moved to Lincoln in 1960 where he would be close to the college and continue his general practice in medicine.
When he was in Rantoul, he was very active in the Rotary Club, serving 1 year as president and was also president of the Rantoul Park Board. He also was active in the music program in Rantoul and Lincoln serving as president of the group. In 1964, he took his postgraduate training in psychiatry at Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago serving there for 3 years. During that time, he commuted back and forth to his home in Lincoln on most weekends.
In 1967, after completing his residency in psychiatry he took a job as the Medical Director of the Decatur Mental Health Center, which in later years became Heritage. He was a Medical Director from 1967-1974 at which time he left and entered private practice. He served as a mentor to several psychologists and social workers in Decatur and enjoyed that a great deal. He also worked as a consultant with the local mental health center, with Moultrie County Mental Health Center, Taylorville Mental Health Center, and the A&E Behavior Center. His longest stint was with Moultrie County Mental Health Center, lasting 25 years.
He was very active in the Fisher Christian Church as were his parents and grandparents before him. He was a member of the American Medical Association, Illinois State Medical Society. Macon County Medical Society, American Psychiatric Association, Illinois Psychiatric Society and Society of Medical Hypnoanalysis. He served on the faculty of Lincoln Christian College from 1959-1968. He was Medical Director of Fairhaven’s Christian Home from the time it opened until 2003.
In Decatur, he was a member of Northwest Christian Church, a life member of the American Legion and a member of the Decatur Club.
Surviving are his wife, Peggy Sunderland of Decatur; son, Kent W. (Jean) Sunderland of Bloomington, IL; daughters, Janet Benedict of suburban Chicago, Lynn (Marion) Conover of Joplin MO; stepdaughters, Melody Klaisner of suburban Chicago, Tina (Brian) Bradley of Mt. Zion; six grandchildren, three step grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by parents, brother, Dr. Paul Sunderland and wife Mildred and stepson, and friend, Richard Dickson II.
He loved classical music of Beethoven. He was an avid sports fan, supporting the Chicago Cubs and Decatur Pride.
Dale generously donated his body through the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois. No services are planned. Memorials are suggested to Little Galilee Christian Assembly in Clinton, IL.
The family of Dale W. Sunderland, M.D. is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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