At the age of 2, Dale and his family moved from Kansas to Cortez, Colorado, where they lived for the next 60 years, with the exception of a decade spent in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Dale graduated from Montezuma Cortez High School in 1951 and then joined the Navy, serving for 4 years during the Korean War and completing his service in 1955. He made many lifelong friends during his time in the Navy.
During his final days in the Navy, Dale reconnected with an old high school classmate, Doris Daves, and they married in 1955. Together, they had two children, Cindy and Hugo. Dale worked as an over-the-road truck driver while in Albuquerque but eventually moved back to Cortez, where he retired as a paving superintendent at the age of 58. He later assisted Doris with her car rental business in Cortez. After selling the business, they moved to Grand Junction to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Grand Junction proved to be a blessing for Dale. To stay active, he worked at Grand Mesa Little League, maintaining the fields and running the concession stand with Doris. All five of his grandchildren participated in Little League, and Dale became well-known in the community. His social nature was evident in his active involvement in various activities and sports events, as he and Doris made it a point to attend and support their grandchildren's endeavors.
After Doris's passing, Dale found joy in playing pinochle with a wonderful group of ladies, which became the highlight of his weeks. He was deeply grateful for their companionship.
Dale is preceded in death by his wife Doris; his parents, Dale Sr. and Ivah; his brother Ralph; and his sisters Carol Blankenship, Monna Lee Elder, and Jo Garcia. He is survived by his daughter Cindy Roling (Guy), his son Hugo Walters (Jackie), and his grandchildren Brett Roling (Cherie), Kiel Roling (Stevie), Alexis Penick (Colbie), Amber McIvor (Ryan), and Vance Walters (Liza). He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren Karter Roling, Scotty Penick, Gavin Penick, Kamrynn Roling, Recker Roling, and Vance Walters III.
A graveside service will be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado in Grand Junction, CO, on Wednesday, July 31, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the HopeWest Hospice Center in Grand Junction, CO. A special thanks to all who supported and cared for Dale.
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