Dale Lodin

Dale Jerome Lodin, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and steadfast friend, died of natural causes at his home in Houston on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born on March 2, 1937, in Rockford, Illinois.
Dale spoke fondly and often of his childhood in Rockford, making friends that he would cherish throughout his life. Indeed, he valued personal relationships above all else. He understood better than most that friendship is a two-way street-and if being a good friend means meeting the other halfway, none of his friends ever had to travel very far. Those of us fortunate enough to call him "friend" will remember his quiet generosity and unmatched thoughtfulness.
Dale served the United States as a pilot and captain in the Air Force. He later flew as a pilot for Delta Airlines. His outreach on behalf of both Delta and the Air Line Pilots Association extended that care beyond the cockpit, benefiting fellow pilots and several charitable organizations-most notably, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Dale is survived by his wife, Judy; his grandson, Kyle Busse, of Houston; his daughter, Cathy Lodin Busse, and her husband, David Busse; their daughter, Haley Busse, and their son, Luke Busse-all of Austin; and five nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother and only sibling, Don, of Anaheim, California.
The world is poorer for his passing-but so much richer for his life.