Dale was born on January 24,1933 on the family farm in Pike County, Ohio. His parents were Elmer Dunham and Ethel (Flowers) Gratsch. He grew up on the farm and was raised by his loving grandparents Grace and Alonzo Flowers. As a boy, he enjoyed farm life, squirrel hunting, and fishing. After graduation from Piketon High School in 1951, Dale went to work for Frigidaire as a Plumber Apprentice, until he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served honorably in 1953. While stationed in Newfoundland Canada, he met and married the love of his life, Melveen Abbott. Upon Dale's completion of his military enlistment, he and his growing family returned to Dayton where he completed his apprenticeship with Frigidaire. He later retired from a supervisory and management position with General Motors Truck & Bus after 34 years of dedicated service. He was a Master Mason and longtime member of the Beavercreek Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite.
Dale is survived by his loving wife Melveen of 67 years, his five children: Duane (Chaunda), Tom (Sharla), Jeff, Karen (Brian), and Steve, his 11 grandchildren: Braden, Billy, Justin, Matt, Ben, Steven, Tiffany, Miranda, Maria and his 15 great-grandchildren, as well as his brother Mike (Lin), sister Carol Ann Gratsch, and sister-in-law Carole Dunham. He is preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Ethel, his infant grandson Kevin, grandson Alex, and his brother Dick.
Dale valued personal relationships above all else. Dale and Melveen were always welcoming to friends and family. The Dunham home was always a gathering place and frequently used for holidays and cookouts. Dale was a beloved husband, father and papaw who was innovative and could fix anything in need of repair. He enjoyed making oats and finger toast for his grandchildren. He also found delight in the never-ending battle with the local squirrels, finding creative ways to keep them out of his many bird feeders.
A visitation for Dale will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Tobias Funeral Home, 3970 Dayton Xenia Road, Beavercreek, Ohio, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM.
Dale will be laid to rest in Mount Zion Park, Beavercreek, Ohio.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tobias-fh.com for the Dunham family.
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