Francis Dale McFarland, 87, of North Platte, passed away March 17, 2015 at Centennial Park Retirement Village. He was born July 11, 1927 to Asa O. and Edna L. (Miller) McFarland at St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island, NE. Dale served in the United States Merchant Marine during WWII until his honorable discharge and later served in the National Guard in North Platte. On November 25, 1946, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Jean Macomber in Kansas and to this union three sons were born. Dale was proud of his sons and their accomplishments. In 1948, he was hired at the Union Pacific Railroad as a switchman, yardmaster and retiring as a brakeman in 1992. On May 6, 1983, Dale married Florence “Susie” Arnold. He enjoyed dancing and playing pool on the Brothers Pool Team. He is survived by his three sons, James (Kim) McFarland of Lincoln, NE, Robert (Roselyn) McFarland of North Platte, NE and Mark (Marcia) McFarland of Albion, NE; 9 grandchildren, Doug McFarland of Lincoln, NE, Jamie McFarland of New York; R. Brian (Stephanie) McFarland of Concrete, OR, Greg (Heather) McFarland of Lee Summit, MO, Jody (Travis) Lawson of Pleasant Hill, CA, Keri (Steve) Dowler of Merriam, KS, Staci (Mike) Kelly of Lawton, IA, Leslie (Andrew) Feeney of Omaha, NE and Jana (Brent) Turner of Grant, NE; numerous great grandchildren; and a sister, Virginia Decker of Kearney. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Florence “Susie” McFarland; and a brother, Donald McFarland, Sr. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Public Schools Foundation or Down Syndrome Foundation. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 23, 2015 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.