Beloved Husband, Father, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, friend, and community member. Services Tuesday July 14, 2026: Visitation 10am-12pm and Service 12-12:30pm at Southminster Presbyterian in Crestwood, MO 63126. Military Honors and interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at 1:30pm.
Dale was a man of love and faith. He was the most loving and committed husband the world has ever known and was a wonderful and nurturing dad. He is survived by Carol, his precious wife for 48 years, his sons Craig and Bob, their spouses Julie and Jessica, 4 grandkids 1 great-grandkid, his sister Janet, in-laws Janice and Ron, and a whole bunch of nieces and nephews. He was a follower of Jesus, and he lived his life that way. His church community was incredibly important to him. He was proud of his active-duty military service as a member of the U.S. Navy. He spent his civilian career working his way up the ranks at Laclede Gas from meter reader to System Controller. After retiring from Laclede, he got a bit restless and worked for about another 20 years at the St. Louis Zoo welcoming people and making good friends. He was active in the community and showed up for the people he cared about. He coached sports and led Scouts, partnered with his wife to run the Affton Floor Hockey League, and came to every event his kids ever participated in. He was in a pool league with family and friends, and they had many great adventures together. He loved fishing trips and the people who went with him. He did what was right and kind and thoughtful every day of his life. He made the world better and he will be missed.
Carol, sending prayers and hugs for you and your family… Dale will be missed by so many people… Loved working with him at Laclede Gas / Spire and loved seeing him while he was working at the zoo… Also enjoyed seeing both of you at our retiree lunches…
We are so sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. He was a great man! Love Ron & Debbie Aubuchon
I will always remember when Dale would start his stretching exercises at work at the beginning of every baseball season to get ready for another umpiring season. Dale sure loved to be the umpire. Rest In Peace Dale.
So sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. I got to work with him at Laclede for a number of years. He was a good guy with a contagious smile and laugh. Indeed he will be missed. Praying for Dale and all his family.
I’m so sorry to hear this, I always got the warmest greeting from the Welcome Desk when I would wander that way. He was a good man and certainly walked his talk. He left fingerprints on a lot of hearts. My deepest condolences.
I have worked with Dale at the Zoo for many years. I first met him at the Guest Relations Booth where I would sometimes cover for lunches and pass breaks on my way between Attractions. It was always joyful watching him interact with the guests, telling his zoo-friendly jokes and letting them know about everything that was going on at the Zoo that day.
When I moved departments, he was my first trainer for Welcome Desk, and it was so nice to have someone I already knew showing me the ins and outs of a new job.
I also remember all of his pins, awards and gifts from friends that he wore every day. His hat especially always stood out as a visual representation of all the lives he touched and all of the people who still think about him and miss him greatly.
He is still very much loved, and my heart is with his family and close friends in this difficult time.
With so much love,
Jes
Carol and family. It’s well known that Dale was a very important figure in my life. He was often a comrade through struggles and hard times as we worked together. I admired his devotion to his family, his friends, his pride in his Naval achievement, his undying faith to you and his God. May there be many games for him to officiate in his walk with the Lord.
Sorry for your loss. John & Maryrita Saputo.
Dear Carol and family,
I had the honor of serving with Dale at the Zoo. He trained me when I moved to Guest Relations and I’ve always looked forward to shifts when I was working with him. His humor and warm approach to guests and knowledge of the Zoo was so impressive and his stories are legendary. You and his sons were the center of his life. Every time “Brown – Eyed Girl” played on his phone, he’d say, excitedly, “It’s Carol!” And he was so proud of the men his sons had grown into. His family gave him so very much joy.
We were all honored to have served with him. I feel very blessed to have known him.
With Care,
Robin LeVan
Carol,
So sorry to hear about Dale. You and your family are in my prayers.
Julia Wilhelm
Carol and Family,
I worked with Dale through many years of laughs and fun at the Zoo. His bright and shiny personality always made me smile. I will miss our small talk in the break room as he heated up his lunch, because he always had something witty and/or kind to say.
May peace be with you now my friend and may you have everlasting joy! My prayers and thoughts are with all of your loved ones as they grieve your passing, but I know your faith was strong and you are now walking on streets of gold!
Peace,
Tommy Brown
I offer my deepest condolences …dale always helped me when I asked his advice about problem
Carol and Family, so sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. He was one of the nicest and most genuine guy that I’ve ever met. The love you two had for one another was so inspiring. Sakes was so proud of his boys and grandkids. He was a proud member of the Navy, and talked about it often. Billy Lee and I looked so forward to our domino nights. Loads of laughs, great fun and always great meals. We would laugh until we cried. Those are some of my favorite memories with Dale and you. Sending my love and condolences.
Dearest Carol, Craig, Bobby and families,
From the day we all meet and created an amazing friendship that easily became family, Dale became my brother. There are no words for the heartbreak of losing this great guy. His was passionate about everything he did but nothing matched the love and devotion he had for his family and friends. He will be missed but we are better for knowing him.
All my love,
Robin