Michael Brian Dale, Sr.

Michael was preceded in death by his wife Regina.

Michael is survived by four children— his eldest daughter, Shannon Fowler; his youngest child, Tiffany Smith and her husband, Corey; his eldest son, Brian; his son Patrick, and his wife, Sara. He also has six grandchildren—Kate, Haylee, Seth, Megan, Susanna, Sawyer, and great grandson, Jaxson. Also survived by his sister, Suzy DeWoody, and many close friends.

Born and raised in Shreveport, the son of Calvin and Kathryn (Carpenter) Dale, the majority of his life was lived in Louisiana.

In his early years, Dr. Dale grew up in Cedar Grove and was a graduate of C.E. Byrd High School. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the Navy as a radio electrician and served aboard the USS Saratoga as a Petty Officer, Second Class.

After serving in the military, he worked for SWEPCO while finishing his undergraduate studies at LSUS. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine in 1977, he was accepted in the School of Veterinary Medicine at LSU. Dr. Dale received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1981.

After graduation, Dr. Dale left Baton Rouge, and practiced throughout northwest Louisiana—areas of practice include Vivian, Oil City, Blanchard, Shreveport, Bossier City, and Benton. With over 35 years working in veterinary medicine, he quickly received a reputation for his excellence in orthopedic surgery, general diagnosis, comical cartoon illustrations, and a colorful sense of humor. Being labeled as a “rural vet”, he regularly traded goods and services for large and small animal treatment

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Dr. Dale had a passion for deer hunting, in particular the art of running deer with hound dogs. He had a fondness for Walkers and Beagles. Most of his time spent running dogs were at River Rouge Hunting Club, where Dr. Dale was an avid member for 19 years. River Rouge was truly the birthplace of “Doc”— a term of endearment amongst friends that rivaled “Butch”, an equally affectionate name used by family members.

Throughout Dr. Dale’s life, he was an avid traveler, taking the opportunity to travel abroad with family and friends. He traveled throughout the United States, Europe, the Mediterranean, and Australia. He was particularly fond of the rocky mountains of Colorado and the white sands of Florida.

In Dr. Dale’s latter years, he sought enjoyment in genealogy and Civil War research. Much of his time was spent at the Dale homestead near Black River in Concordia Parish, various C.S.A. cemeteries, and historic Civil War battlegrounds throughout the US.

Services for Michael will be held at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel on March 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor James Gilbert officiating. Interment will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park. The family will be receiving friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Knutson, Paul Lindenmayer, Joel Weathersby, Richard Choate, Robert Tucker, Jason Castleman, Blake Lee, and Shawn Duggins.

You may offer condolences and sign the online guest book by visiting www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com.