Dale C. White

Dale Charles White, born August 27, 1944, left this world on August 7, 2024, leaving behind a legacy as colorful as the garden he lovingly tended. 

Dale was a master of many trades: handyman, party planner, and the kind of neighbor who would lend you his tools, his time, and possibly even his top-secret pickle recipe. Known for his infectious laugh and heart as big as his garden, Dale could turn any mundane backyard barbecue into a grand gala of epic proportions. His love for woodworking was only rivaled by his love for his garden, where he proudly grew enough vegetables to feed everyone he knew.

In the latter years of his life, Dale grappled with the more challenging side of his mental health. His friends and family, who loved him dearly, understood that his dark days and misplaced words were not the man he truly was but rather a temporary cloud passing over that sometimes lasted too long. Despite the turbulence, his inner kind-hearted self still peeked through every now and then, usually when he was working in his garage or helping someone with a project.

Dale’s life was a testament to the idea that even the most vibrant fireworks have a few duds. His love for those around him never waned, even if his personal struggles occasionally made him seem like a particularly grumpy garden gnome.

Dale is survived by his family and friends, who will remember him not just for the challenges he faced but for the warmth, laughter, and occasional over-the-top themed party he brought into their lives. His legacy will live on in the plants he nurtured, the projects he completed, the daughters he raised, the granddaughters he cherished, and the countless memories of a man who could turn even the simplest moments into something memorable.

Dale is survived by his Wife of 56 years, Pamela (Meier) White; daughter Kimberly White (partner Bill Lewis); daughter, Kristy (White) Keenan (husband Brad Keenan); granddaughters, Eloise and Abigail Keenan, sister Linda (Weible) Finerty (partner Bob Hicks); His dog, Stella. He is Preceded in death by his father, Chester White; mother, Hadessa Arndt, maiden name is Newton; Stepfather, Leslie Arndt; Brothers Billy White and Donald White; Faithful dog companions Harley and Harriet. 

At the request of Dale, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at Gephart Funeral Home. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral and on Thursday, August 15, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you plant a flower in your garden and think of Dale every time it blooms. Or, if you prefer, please consider a donation to Survivors of Suicide.