Vernon Dale Massey

Vernon Dale Massey, 92, fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Catholic Church, passed away on Monday, February 3rd, 2025.

Dale was born to Clara Edrie Smith and Carl Clifford Massey on July 31st, 1932, in Randlett, OK. He was raised by his mother and stepfather Louis Everett Whitehead in southern Colorado, and during the dustbowl moved to Bell Gardens, California. He was the older step brother to George Whitehead (Baca County, Colorado) and half-sister Eleri Lucille Whitehead.

After graduating Bell Garden High school in 1950 Dale enlisted in the United States Air Force as Electronics Technician and Electronics Instructor and served in the Korean War. Dale earned the Bronze Star through heroic achievement/service that showed extraordinary bravery and courage during combat operations by saving a superior officer during an air raid.

He also was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean War Service Medal, the United Nations Medal and the Republic of Korea Service Medal. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sargent.

On January 29th, 1955, he married June Amelia Levvintre in St. Louis, MO.

Known for tireless dedication, problem-solving and leadership, Dale dutifully worked from the bottom-up to an executive management level at various aerospace corporations. During his 44 years in aerospace, he worked on historical projects such as Gemini, Apollo, Titan, SCATHA and Skylab, winning many honors, awards and commendations. This entailed many relocations throughout the USA before settling in Lakewood, Colorado in 1969. After his formal retirement in May 1999 from Lockheed Martin, he continued to work by creating his own LLC and providing consulting until 2020.

He was a loving and supportive husband for 65 years. He was steadfast provider, excellent example and sounding board to his daughter and three sons. Dale was the devoted father of Liane, Douglas (Colleen), Gregory (Ruth), and David (Tracy). The loving grandfather of Jordan, Alexa, Ryan, Brenna, Brett, Tanner, Caleb, Brendan, Ryan and Evan. He was also blessed as a great grandfather to Jasmine and Riley.

He was preceded in death by his wife June, brother George and sister Lucille.

A funeral mass will be held at Saint Jude Catholic Church at 9405 W. Florida Ave., Lakewood, CO 80232 on Wednesday, February 26th. A viewing will be at 9:45 AM with Mass at 10:30 AM. This will be followed by a funeral luncheon at the church (11:30-1:30PM). The burial will then take place at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 2:00PM.

In remembrance of Dale’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Disabled American Veterans at HelpDAV.org.