Dr. Douglas Dale Early, 85, of East Peoria, IL passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones at 12:42am Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

Dale was born to Louis Edgar and Wilma Beatrice (Hines) Early in Keyser, West Virginia on November 24, 1936 before moving to Roanoke, Virginia in 1944.

Dale married the love of his life, Marita Lorene McDaniel in 1958.  Together Dale and Marita had four children, Annette (Robert) Macias, Mark (Tina) Early, Lisa (Rick) Doty, and Chris (Mattie) Early.  Together they have 22 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lena Doreen Hartman; a nephew, Kelly Hartman; and one daughter-in-law, Adream Blair.

Dale graduated from Roanoke College in 1959 before moving to Peoria after accepting a job to teach physics at Bradley University.  He earned his Masters and PhD from Virginia Tech in 1971 and spent 58 years teaching - the longest serving faculty member in Bradley University's history.  He also proudly served seven years in the United States Army reserves.

In his free time Dale was an avid boater, golfer, guitar player, archer, and loved wood working.  He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family.  He founded and ran Marine Designs with Marita for 26 years designing and making boat covers, interiors, and framework that can still be seen going up and down the Illinois River.

Having lost a nephew to Cystic Fibrosis, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to God's Will and Wade for Cystic Fibrosis research at .

Cremation has been accorded.  A celebration of life service will be announced at a later date.  Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, IL is assisting the family with arrangements.