Dale Burton Smith, 86, of Tempe, AZ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 11, 2022, surrounded by his family. Dale was born in Oketo, KS, and grew up in Manhattan, KS. Dale graduated from Manhattan High School earning top grades in mathematics and varsity letters in football and track. Dale attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (now Truman State University) on a football scholarship where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in mathematics and physical education. Dale married his love Wanda Lee Riffel in 1960 and after his first teaching jobs in Pattonville and Raytown, MO, they relocated to Tempe so he could complete a M.Ed. in Physical Education at Arizona State University. The Smith’s welcomed two children into their family, Stephanie and Robert. Dale was a counselor and taught math at Gilliland Jr. High for 25 plus years, often commuting by bicycle. Dale treasured spending time with his family and friends, playing and watching sports, hiking, traveling, and volunteering at church, where he was an elder for many years. He was former member of Kiwanis and board member at Tempe Schools Credit Union. Dale will be dearly missed and always remembered.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents Charles David and Fern, older brother Charles Jr. (USN), and sisters Lois and Bonnie. Dale is survived by his wife of 62 years Wanda Lee, daughter Stephanie, son Robert, grandchildren Abineau and Lance (USN), and numerous nieces and nephews. To honor Dale’s memory, we invite his family and friends to wear purple, his favorite color, to a celebration of his life on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, in the chapel at Sun Valley Community Church 6101 S. River Dr. Tempe, AZ 85283 on Wednesday, January 04, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. Reception to follow at Hilton Garden Inn 7290 S. Price Rd. Tempe, AZ 85283. Dale will be interred at Resthaven/Carr-Tenney Mortuary and Memorial Gardens. If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to Truman State University or Tempe Elementary School District in Dale’s name.
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