J.D. “Dale” Wolf, age 100, of Midland, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, December 25, 2025 at his residence at Ashton Medical Lodge. He was born on May 26, 1925, in Okra, Texas, to the late Oscar Otis Wolf and Rada Ophelia Wolf.
He spent his growing up years in Rising Star, Texas. Dale graduated from Rising Star High School and then enlisted in the military. He proudly served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Technician Fifth Grade. During his service, he earned the Sharpshooter Rifle Qualification. Dale was stationed primarily in the Philippines and was honorably discharged in 1946.
J.D. met Wanda Ruth Hight in Rising Star, Texas, and the two were married on July 31, 1948. Together they shared a loving marriage and built a strong family rooted in faith. Dale and Wanda were married for 71 years before Wanda left us in 2019.
Shortly after their marriage Dale and Wanda moved to Midland where he was employed as a Plant Operator at Mobil Oil for over 40 years, before retiring.
He was a faithful member of Westside Church of Christ for over 65 years where he also served as a deacon. Dale enjoyed fishing and camping, especially in the mountains around Tres Ritas, New Mexico, with Wanda. They went camping annually after his retirement, spending several weeks at a time, meeting up with friends and loved ones for trout fishing and fun. Dale was an avid fan of Dallas Cowboys and University of Texas Longhorns football.
Dale is survived by his daughter, Barbara Jean Ragsdill of Crowley, Texas; son, Mike D. Wolf and wife Cherry Kay of Buchanan Dam, Texas; sisters-in-law Nancy Wolf of Midland and Debra Hight of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Tia Heady and her husband Charles, Jeffrey Starritt and his wife Monica; Allison Murrill and Kevin Bailey; numerous nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wanda Ruth Wolf; his brother, Thomas Ray Wolf; and his son-in-law, David Lynn Ragsdill.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ellis Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Westside Church of Christ, followed by a graveside committal at Resthaven Memorial Park.
Philip Marshall, Thomas Paul Marshall, Bill Marshall, Andrew Pafford, Brad Hill, and Phil Maxwell will serve as pallbearers. Larry Millican, Terry Pafford, Lynn Mayfield and Eddie Cooley are honorary pallbearers.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Westside Church of Christ in Dale’s memory.
