John Thomas Dale, 72

John Thomas Dale was born on June 22, 1943, in Beechgrove, a suburb of Indianapolis, Marion Co., Ind., son of Gerald William Dale and Ruth Mildred Morris Dale.

John was next to the youngest of nine children, (two died in infancy). His two brothers were Marion Wayne Dale and Gerald (Gerry) William Peter Dale. His four sisters were Theresa May Dale Bennett, Mary Elaine Dale Keller, Naomi Ruth Dale Collis and Heather Lorraine Dale Jackman. Of these, he is survived only by his brother, Gerry.

When John was about 11 years old his family moved to Los Angeles, Calif., where he met his future wife, Gena Lynn Boyle. He enlisted in the Army on his 17th birthday and after his discharge he returned to L.A. and they began dating. They were married March 7, 1964, and had two daughters, Mary-An Dale Tedder and Penny Lynn Dale Harvey Maxfield; 11 grandchildren (Keith, Joseph, Erik and Sean Tedder; Dustin, Benjamin, Wesley and Jenessa Harvey; Ambrea, Rylan and Samuel Maxfield); and five great-grandchildren, all of who survived him; as well as his wife, Gena. He dearly loved his family.

He worked in many fields, but his most fulfilling was 18 years as meetinghouse custodian for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which he was a faithful member. He loved helping others. After he retired, he enjoyed painting in oil and acrylics. John died at Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Feb. 22, 2016, at age 72. He was a caring and gentle man, much beloved by his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2016, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1670 N. McGuire Road, Post Falls. Bell Tower Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Please share your thoughts and memories of John in his online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.