Dexter R. Vail, 81

| July 23, 2011 2:00 AM

Dexter R. Vail, 81, passed away Monday, July 18, 2011, in Kalispell.

Dexter was born Dec. 22, 1929, in Flint, Mich., the son of Donald and Dorothy (Carey) Vail.

Dexter grew up in Cheyenne, Wyo., where he met and married his wife Ilene Merrill.

Dexter was an honorably discharged U.S. Navy veteran. He enjoyed golfing and bowling and was very active in both sports in the Kalispell area.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Dorothy Vail.

Dexter is survived by his children, Dawnlee Vail and husband Mike Laughlin, Barbara Vail and husband Robert Ketchum, Robin and Alex Ancheta, Casey and Cathy Vail; sisters, Doris Vail and Donna Hellwig; grandchildren, Kori, Justin, Christina and Karena; and great-grandchildren, Rylee, Shalyn, Elijah and Eliot.

Private family services were held and a gathering for friends and family took place on July 21.

You are also encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.