Dale was born on April 14, 1943, in the small town of Cross Cut, Texas, to Jewel Franklin Tabor and Amanda Lorene Oliver Tabor who predeceased him.

On August 18, 1963, Dale married the love of his life, Judy Carol Sanders, in Eola, Texas. Their marriage was a testimony to the love of Christ, that lasted over 62 beautiful years. Together, they raised two children, Craig (Holly) Tabor of Nixa, Missouri and Amanda (Ross) Deeds of Early, Texas. His family was his pride and joy, and his heart swelled even more with the arrival of seven grandchildren: Sean (Samantha) Aly of Ft Worth, Texas, Thomas (Jordan) Aly of McKinney, Texas, Mikela (AJ) Deeds of Hickory, North Carolina, Alyssa Ft Tabor of Nixa, Missouri, Reece (Alyssa) Tabor of Bolivar, Missouri, Brian (Jennifer) Deeds of Farmersville, Texas, and Johnny (Anna) Deeds of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who, in turn, blessed him with 14 great-grandchildren: Autumn, Eloise, Olive, Laney, Jett, Emery, Piper, Hazel, Jeffrey, Carleigh, Cooper, Carter, Camree, and Christian.

Dale’s life was marked by a dedication to education and service. He graduated from Water Valley High School and pursued further studies at Drawms Business College in Lubbock, Texas and Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas. His commitment to serving others was exemplified by his time as a pastor to several churches and his time in the Air Force, from which he was medically discharged with honors.

A man of deep faith, Dale devoted his life to sharing the message of Jesus, touching countless lives and planting seeds of hope and love wherever he went. Despite the demands of his work at 3M, where he worked for 35 years, he never wavered in his calling to preach, embodying the true spirit of a bi-vocational minister.

Dale was a man of simple pleasures; he found joy in collecting rocks and crafting them into beautiful pieces of jewelry. He was known for his “piddlin’,” he was always involved with projects around his home, his hands busy creating and fixing, a testament to his industrious nature.

Those who knew Dale will remember him for his kind spirit, and his willingness to share the love of Jesus with everyone he met. His presence lit up a room, and his laughter was infectious to those around him.

A celebration of Dale’s life will be held on May 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Salt Creek Baptist Church, located at 7775 FM390 in Early, Texas, where family and friends will gather to honor the remarkable journey of a man whose life was a reflection of God’s love. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Salt Creek Baptist Church, in keeping with Dale’s lifelong commitment to his faith and community.

Dale’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched, a gentle reminder that a life of faith and service leaves an indelible mark on the world. As we say goodbye, we find solace in knowing he rests in eternal peace, embraced by the love of his Savior.

As he would say, “I love you, Um, Bye!”

The service will be officiated by Craig Tabor, Thomas Aly, Joe Baucom, and Dalton Mathis. Their shared leadership reflects the deep spiritual community and many friendships that defined Dale’s life.