F. Dale Pantier

Floyd Dale Pantier, age 90, a longtime resident of Northville, passed away November 26, 2023. He was born on March 17, 1933 in Rocky Ford, Colorado; son of Floyd and Lila (Quick) Pantier. Dale was united in marriage to Lois H. White on April 30, 1955; they spent 68 years lovingly devoted to one another.

Dale graduated from La Junta High School in La Junta, Colorado; class of 1951.  After graduation, he began his studies at the University of Colorado in Boulder before joining the Navy.  Dale proudly served his country as an Airport Control Operator in Texas and later an airplane Radar Control Operator in Maryland.  Following his honorable discharge, he completed his studies at the University of Colorado where he earned a bachelor's degree in business.   In 1960, Dale began his career with Ford Motor Company where he worked in accounting for over 30 years before retiring in 1993.

Dale was gifted with a beautiful voice and shared his talent for singing throughout his life, beginning with starring in La Junta High School musicals. While in Boulder, at University of Colorado, he sang at the Central City Opera House with the All-American Chorus.  The Chorus travelled to New York City and sang on the Ed Sullivan Show and to Washington D.C. to sing for President Eisenhower at the White House.  After graduation, he continued singing at Ford Motor Company with the Ford Chorus and at First United Methodist Church in Northville for many years.  His gift of song was the first planning element for every family wedding and celebration, making each special and memorable.

After retirement, Dale and his wife, Lois, travelled all over the United States in their motor home, often with the camping group the Holiday Ramblers.  They also toured the countrysides of Austria, Tuscany, and the South of France on bicycles. Dale always loved travelling back to Colorado to attend family reunions with his large extended family.  He was a talented woodworker and made beautiful furniture and cabinets that were meticulously crafted.  For grandchildren births, he created solid wood heirloom furniture, etching “love grandpa” into the back of each.   Evenings, he enjoyed playing bridge in a group with friends from his neighborhood.  Dale was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend; he will be missed by all who loved him.

Dale is survived by his beloved wife, Lois Pantier; his children, Patrice Wilkes (Steve Wilkes, his 2nd son/son in law), Jeanice Pantier-Mullen, and Steve Pantier; his grandchildren, Jessica Wilkes, Jimmy Wilkes, Michael Mullen, Gage Pantier, and Audric Pantier; his great grandchildren, Carter and Asher; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 sisters, and his son-in-law, Pat Mullen.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Angela Hospice , 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48154 or First United Methodist Church , 777 W. Eight Mile Road, Northville, MI 48167.