Dale R. Ward, 68, Chanute, died Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012.

Dale was born in Chanute on May 21, 1943 the son of Clayton and Mary Jane McMinimy Ward. He was a lifelong resident of Chanute and was the much loved president of the Chanute High School Class of 1961. He then received his Bachelor’s degree in Education and a minor in Physical Education from Pittsburg State University in 1966.

Dale taught Math at Chanute High School from 1967 to 1972. He then worked as a truck driver for Manley Truck Lines and later for Consolidated Freightways until his retirement.

He was first united in marriage to Linda Willis and then to Kathy Pryor.

Dale was a longtime member of the First Christian Church and then became a member of the Westview Baptist Church.

Dale loved spending time with his family, collecting stamps with his father, playing cards and talking with his mother, and watching his grandchildren play. 

Dale also liked antique cars so much he purchased a 1931 Model A Coupe with his nephew. Dale and his nephew Clayton could be found at the local car shows showing off their prize possession. Dale enjoyed watching sports, playing golf, fishing, hunting, playing pool, telling jokes, and socializing with friends. Dale’s kindness, happy heart and giving spirit will forever be missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Dale is survived by his mother, Mary Jane Ward, Chanute; his children, Terry Keith Ward, Columbia, Mo., Angela Lynn Knudsen and her husband, Pete, Kansas City, Mo., Aimee Janae Osborne and her husband, Kevin, Columbia, Mo., and Christopher Reed Ward, Pittsburg; five grandchildren, Channing, Zach, Katie, Jake and Anna; and a sister, Mary Sue Carlson and her husband, David, Chanute.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clayton Ward, and his brother, Robert “Bob” J. Ward.

Funeral will be 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, 2012 at the First Christian Church, 102 N. Grant, Chanute. Burial will follow in Vilas Cemetery.

The family will receive friends and share photo remembrances on Friday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church.

The family would like to share a special thank you to Harry Hynes Hospice, Chanute Healthcare, and Guest Home Estates III for their compassionate care.

Memorials in his name may be made to Cherry Street and may be left with the funeral home.

Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

To leave a special message for the family on-line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com