John Wesley Dale

John Wesley Dale passed into eternal life at age 87 in Conroe, TX on Saturday, June 17, 2023. It was the feast day of the Immaculate Heart of Mary to whom he was dedicated as a child by his mother. John is survived by Carol, his college sweetheart and beloved wife of 61 years, and their children Carol (Tom), John (Stephanie), Lisa (Mike), and Kelley (Jeremy). Their eldest son Wesley predeceased him as did his parents Bess and Wes and sisters Betty and Jane. He is grandfather of Elisabeth, Michael, Ashley, Nicole, Matisse, Maleah, and Kathryne. His oldest living relative is his cousin Bootsie.

Raised in PA and NJ as a devout Catholic, John became a Holy Name Society member, Valley Forge Military Academy graduate, ocean lifeguard, US Army veteran, and University of Maryland alumnus. Based upon guaranteed employment as a history teacher, John and Carol moved their young family to southwest Florida only to experience many of life’s twists. After various jobs, John worked nearly 40 years in the Public Defender’s office where he became Chief Investigator. John was an usher and founding member at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church.

Family life was his focus. He and Carol sacrificed much to send their children to Catholic schools. As soccer coach/referee, John conveyed the thrill of the game down to his grandchildren. By his example of organizing political campaign events to advocate for conservative candidates and values, John instilled in his family the importance of being educated voters. Other activities included PTA leadership, summer vacations, boat outings, and board game nights. He and Carol enjoyed special trips to Hawaii and Europe. As retirees, they joined the Birdie Bunch of bald eagle watchers in Cape Coral. John’s greatest honors were being husband of Carol and child of God.

Together John and Carol spent decades in Cape Coral until Hurricane Ian flooded their home and compelled them to move out of state to be nearer to family. Whether in their FL home or his final months in a TX memory care community, John brought a smile to your face at your departure by saying “It’s not goodbye, it’s just so long for awhile.” His four-legged buddy was frequently beside him.

Faith was strong and essential for John. The Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist sustained him. A favorite Scripture passage was Isaiah 40:31 “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” In addition to the Rosary, John had an extraordinary devotion to the Divine Mercy of Jesus and prayed earnestly for his family to all know and love Jesus.

A funeral Mass of Resurrection will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe, TX at 2 pm CST on Tuesday, June 27. Long distance family and friends may watch the livestream at https://www.shconroe.org/streaming to pray along with those in attendance. The Mass will be celebrated in the chapel (Our Lady of the Woods) with outer entrance at the NW part of the main church building.

Condolences may be sent to the Dale family c/o Cashner Funeral Home (801 Teas Road, Conroe, TX 77303). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the name of John W. Dale.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cashnerconroe.com for the Dale family.