Dale Stout was born in Chanute, on Oct. 20, 1930, to Herman and Elizabeth Stout. He peacefully passed away at his home on Sept. 13, 2025.
Dale was part of a large and loving family, with five brothers — Harold, Orville, Harry, Fred, and Clifford — and one sister, Letha. Early in his life, he and his brother Clifford remained in Chanute with their Aunt Mary and Uncle Hurley, while the rest of the family moved to California in search of better opportunities during the Great Depression. Later, Dale and Clifford joined their parents in California, where they would build a life together.
Dale served honorably in the U.S. Army before beginning a long and successful career with Santa Fe Railroad. It was during this time that he met Geneva, the love of his life. The two eloped in Las Vegas after Dale wooed Geneva and convinced her not to join the Peace Corps. Their marriage lasted 61 years.
Together, Dale and Geneva settled in Needles, California, where Geneva taught elementary school and Dale became an engineer with the Santa Fe Railroad. They briefly lived in Barstow, California, before returning to Needles, where they raised their two daughters, Mary and Diana. After retiring, they returned to Chanute, where they enjoyed their final years together.
Dale’s love for his family was unwavering, and his loyalty was evident throughout his life. He was deeply committed to his parents, siblings, wife, and daughters.
He was also an avid outdoorsman who spent every October elk hunting in Idaho or salmon fishing in Washington with his friends. His love for nature was so strong that he always kept a freezer dedicated to his hunting and fishing adventures.
In addition to his outdoor pursuits, Dale was a talented mechanic. He once owned a mechanic shop and fuel station in Needles, showcasing his passion for fixing and building things.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings, and his beloved wife, Geneva.
He is survived by his two daughters, Mary Stout and Diana Pratt; his son-in-law, Herbert Pratt; three grandchildren, Paisley Switzer, her spouse Andrew Switzer, Charles Price, and Carmen Price; and four great-grandchildren, Sylas Switzer, Eden Switzer, Noa Switzer, and Anna Switzer. He is also survived by his cousins, Connie Bussman, Linda Thompson, Sam Stout, and Ed Stout.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Robert Thomen, Dale’s longtime physician, and Harry Hynes Hospice for their compassionate care.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, Sept. 22, at 1 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home, 101 N. Highland, Chanute, Kansas. A graveside service will follow at Neosho County Memorial Cemetery.
Rest in peace, Dad, Dale. You will be deeply missed.
