Dale Sanford Harper was born December 17, 1934, in Cromwell, Oklahoma. He passed away peacefully at home in Earlsboro, Oklahoma with his family by his side on October 17, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Harper; his parents, Bert Sanford & Frankie Nell Harper; his sisters, Mildred Gentry, Wylenne Miner, Gertrude (who died at 4 months); his brothers, Billy Gene Harper, and Burt Wilburn (who died at birth); his daughter, Sherry Penick, and many extended family members.
He is survived by his children, Robert Taylor & wife, Linda; Lisa Beth Mathes & husband Randy; Dale Sandford Harper, Jr. & wife, Lisa; and son-in-law, Larry Penick. He also leaves 9 grandchildren (Scott & Brett Taylor, Monica Penick & husband Andy Maag, Jacob, Josh, & Jerry Mathes, Allison Kaye & husband Landon, Trey Harper & wife Madison, & Catherine Harper); and 7 great-grandchildren (Lacey Taylor Gonzalez, Lindsay Taylor, Oliver Maag, Sawyer Mathes, Judah & Silas Kaye, and Samuel Harper); and many very special nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family. He was especially close to his living nieces, Mary Francis & Tina, and living nephews Johnny Craig & Terry.
Dale was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Civilian from Tinker AFB with a combined 33 years of military & civilian service. His first love was helping others in need - he was an accomplished carpenter & mechanic, having assisted many family & friends with remodeling or building their homes, servicing their vehicles, and supporting them in whatever way he could. He was an avid lover of the land & animals & nature. He also loved traveling the world, which he had the good fortune to do both early and late in life.
The family wishes to thank his physician, Dr. Kelli Koons, as well as Heartland Home Health, and Choice Hospice for their care of Dale, and some very special neighbors & friends who went out of their way to lend a helping hand.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who wish, to please make a donation to the Salvation Army in his name.
