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MARK DALE Obituary

May 6, 1951 - June 14, 2014 OKLAHOMA CITY Mark Alan Dale passed away on June 14, 2014. Mark was born May 6, 1951, at Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California, to Everett and Jean Dale while his father was serving in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War. As a toddler, Mark's family moved back to Oklahoma City, where he attended Nichols Hills Elementary, Harding Jr. High, and Casady High School (Class of 1969). He was an Eagle Scout in Troop 132. During Mark's undergraduate college years, he earned a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Duke University. He served as president of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and was a Blue Devil cheerleader. Later, he attended The University of Colorado School of Business, where he achieved his MBA. After a few years as executive treasurer at Midland Mortgage Company, Mark joined his father's custom home building company, Carriage Homes. He eventually took over the company and enjoyed a very rewarding career building beautiful homes in Nichols Hills, Gaillardia, Fairview Farm, and other northwest Oklahoma City and Edmond communities. Mark served multiple terms as president of the local and state chapters of the National Association of Home Builders. In 2008, during the home building economic downturn, his skilled leadership was needed again, and he was asked to return to the helm of the organization. He was very proud to be a Fortune Club member for many years. Mark's true passion was his golf game. He also loved fly-fishing at his family cabin in Basalt, CO, quail hunting, and spending time with family at his second home in Angel Fire, NM. His quick wit and sense of humor will be greatly missed by his many, many friends and family members. Mark was preceded in death by his father, Everett E. Dale, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Lark Dale; his son, Matthew (Natalie), of Atlanta, GA; stepson, Todd (Darcie) Lester, of Southlake, TX; his mother, Jean Dale, of Oklahoma City; his sister, Laurie (Jim) Keffer, of Oklahoma City; his brother, Scott (Julie) Dale, of Boulder, CO; nephews, Stephen Neslage, Scott Neslage, and Ryder Dale; and granddaughters, Libby and Leighton Lester. Memorial Service will be Wednesday, June 18, 2 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4400 N. Shartel.

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Published by Oklahoman from Jun. 16 to Jun. 17, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for MARK DALE

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Lark

June 11, 2021

It is “Nearing the 7th year” since I lost the presence of my true love, best friend, and life partner. So many blessings have happened to our family, two new beautiful grand babies, the death of Sweetie and of my mother. Libby is off to UT and Leighton is driving and loving high school. Very blessed for the love of family. Thank you to all of our friends and associates for never forgetting and for sharing your memories of Mark. He was an incredible man that truly cared about others. Miss you everyday of my life and look forward to our reunion. Blessed that I can talk to you everyday of my life and feel your guidance. God bless you, my love.

Lark

May 2, 2016

Lark

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Lark

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Lark

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Lark

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Lark

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Lark

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Lark

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Lark

May 2, 2016

I have longed for you every moment. You will forever be my guardian angel

Lark

May 2, 2016

Inan Alpay

August 28, 2015

During 1968 - 1972 I was a Graduate Student at Duke Engineering School. I was an assistant graduate student helping undergraduate students with their homework and lab work. I got to know mark during these years. He was outgoing vivacious and friendly student. Among all the undergraduates he made a mark on me. I remembered him well. I am so sorry to hear that he passed away. I hope he rests in eternal peace. Inan Alpay

Wade Waddell

December 8, 2014

I was lucky to meet Mark during treatments at MDA in Houston. What a great man, friend and leader he was to me. He still inspires me to this very day to keep going, don't ever give up. We endured lots of troubles together and I will never forget him or his encouragement. God bless his family, friends as he will be missed. I know I will.

Jeff Kirtley

October 14, 2014

A Great Guy! He will be missed.

Paul Darrough

June 29, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with the Dale family. It's difficult to reconcile that Mark is gone. I don't believe people ever change. Mark was such a dynamic personality dating back to summer vacations at Mt. Nast Colorado in the 1960's when Mark, even in Jr. High and High School, was amazingly eloquent and funny and enjoyed life. From reading the entries in the guest book that never changed.
Paul Darrough, III

Ron Anderson

June 24, 2014

We'll miss Mark. He was truly a class gentleman. We had nothing but respect and good things to say about Mark. Our condolences to his family.

Our Last Photo together at the Gaillardia White Out

Lark Dale

June 21, 2014

June 21, 2014

I know I speak for all of the members of the Mt. Nast Colony in Colorado, when I express my sadness that we will never again see you striding down the road with fishing rod in hand! All nine cabins will be mourning our loss of a beloved member of our special community. We grew up together and now we are having to say goodbye together. Diane Darrough & Mt. Nast family

Gary Opper

June 18, 2014

I was shocked to hear of Mark's passing. My wife and I fondly remember celebrating New Year's Eve 2007 with him. I have a trove of wonderful memories from our time at Casady in the 1960s.
My heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Gary Opper
Casady Class of 1969

June 18, 2014

Even in his passing, Mark's talents, enthusiasm and fair mindedness will remain with us all. He raised the bar for all of us with his constant "right thing to do" way of life! My heart goes out to my dear friend, Lark and all the family. Barbara

June 18, 2014

On behalf of the staff of the Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association, Inc., we extend our heartfelt condolences to Lark and the Dale family as you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mark was a true legend to all that he embraced into his life. We will truly miss him.

Terry Marple

June 18, 2014

The ground has been trembling in OKC since Mark passed away reminding us of his giant personality. He was a great friend to many. The words in the newspaper article aptly describe him. Inspiration, pillar, sophisticated, witty, humble.
He was a local notable so its fitting that other famous personalities passed near the same time. Casey Kasem (music) and Tony Gwynn (sports, baseball). Mark was a lover of music and sports. His blood ran blue for his beloved Duke Blue Devils and the Thunder too.
We shared a love for music especially the Beatles. We got tickets to Paul McCartney's first concert in Oklahoma at the Chesapeake Arena. We both said it was the best concert ever.
Our lives will not be the same without you Mark. We miss you already. Love, Terry and Dot

Terry Covey

June 17, 2014

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Dale family. Mark was a true gentleman and treated all with respect. Years from now when I drive by the homes he built, I will be reminded of his talent and character. Always doing things the right way.

Jay Graham Design One Building Solutions

June 17, 2014

My condolences to Lark and all of Marks family. I considered Mark a good friend and he was instrumental in some of my own success as a builder as well as being my sponsor into the Home Builders Association. I personally will miss him greatly!

Mary Bush

June 17, 2014

Rest in peace, Mark... Know you will.

Anne Husmann

June 17, 2014

My heartfelt condolences to all of you on your loss!!! I pray God's mercy and Grace will help to ease your pain and comfort you in the days ahead!!!

Helen Melton Taylor

June 17, 2014

What a guy. Missed by many. Loved by family and friends. One of the best wits around. Thanks Mark for fond memories.

John Gardner

June 17, 2014

Lark,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Mark's legacy will live on through his patient sharing of knowledge with those lucky enough to have known him. I feel so blessed to have seen you both recently. Our prayers are with you.
John & Cindy Gardner

June 17, 2014

What a true asset to the homebuilders of Oklahoma.Condolences
Dale Montgomery
Shawnee Homebuilders

Fred Schonwald

June 17, 2014

Lark, you know why I'll not be at the funeral, but thoughts & prayers are w/you all. I'll miss my old friend! Love from Fred & Pat & family

Carla Brannon

June 17, 2014

I appreciate the time Mark spent in a conversation with me as I researched information for a client.
Carla Brannon
Paradigm AdvantEdge

Kimmi Houston

June 17, 2014

Much love and sympathy to you Lark, and all of the family. Mark was a wonderful mentor and leader. His passion for the industry could certainly fill a room with hope, optimism and pride! I will forever be grateful for the help he rendered to me!

June 16, 2014

Prayers and condolences to your family.
Dana Kelso
Builders Assoc of S. Central Oklahoma

tom hall

June 16, 2014

I hate it. my thoughts to all of you. im sorry I cant make it Wednesday.

David Swanda

June 16, 2014

Mark was a true gentleman. He was honest, kind & a joy to work with. My condolences to all his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Casey Frank-Felix

June 16, 2014

Thoughts and Prayers with the Dale Family.

Bob Braudrick

June 16, 2014

One of the kindest and most helpful men I have ever had the pleasure to have known.
He will be truly missed.
Our prayers especially go up for his family at this time.

June 16, 2014

On behalf of the entire U Build It Family, we are sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Cheri Whitnah

June 16, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I'm so sorry to hear of this.
~ Cheri Whitnah

June 16, 2014

Many moments - many good stories - a truly fine individual. My deepest condolences to the extended family. Sempre Phi. Kevin Shanker Duke '72

Ward Mankin

June 16, 2014

We are praying for the family during these difficult days. I know the love Mark bestowed on many many friends. He will be missed. Gods love to all who were blessed by his presence.

robert fillmore

June 16, 2014

so sorry to hear of this.. mark was a great guy just like his father.. robert fillmore

Chet Leonhardt

June 16, 2014

Mark`s legacy will lead the next generation of home builders, he will be greatly missed

Drew Jarrell

June 16, 2014

I will miss Mark. He was a very good and kind person. He will be deeply missed by me and many others.

Drew

Victor Squicimari

June 16, 2014

We met Mark at an Oshba convention many years ago. He was a great speaker, very lively, and knowledgeable of the building industry.
He turned negative into positive at all times, and surely gave homebuilders a lot of his time.
He was a great man, honest, and a true friend.
We'll miss him dearly. Our prayers go to his wife and family

June 16, 2014

Mark did not command respect...he earned it; a true gentleman, craftsman and statesman.

Steve Womble

June 16, 2014

I have many fond memories of our fishing adventures as well as the friend/builder/supplier relationship with Mark. We will truly miss our interaction with him. One great gentleman!

Leslie Travis Talbot

June 16, 2014

Dear Dale Family,
How sorry I was to hear of Mark's passing. He was a genuine person and always made people feel special. I will always remember fondly the wonderful summers we all spent together at Mt Nast. My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family.
Much love,
"Da Judge",Leslie Travis Talbot

Teri Dark Hunter

June 16, 2014

I met Mark when I started work at Midland Mortgage back in 1978. I was a very naive 18 year old and I must admit I harbored a bit of a post-schoolgirl crush on this dashing 27-year-old. In these many years, I've had the privilege of running into him at various social and community events; he was a fiercely intelligent and kind gentleman. So many of us were shocked and saddened by his death. My condolences to his family. This pillar of the homebuilding community will be greatly missed.

Bill Robberson

June 15, 2014

Mark was a truly kind and trustworthy gentleman. The OKC community has lost a real hero. I'm so sad for his family!

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