Dale Clark Lafley

Dale is survived by his wife of 43 years, Charlotte Huffman Lafley and their two sons, Dustin Lafley and his girlfriend Genene Taylor and Daniel Lafley and his wife Bethany and grandchildren Philip and Enola. Dale is also survived by his four brothers, Duwayne Lafley, Chester Lafley, George Lafley and Robert Lafley and wife Maria, nieces and nephews along with many cousins.

Dale was born April 14, 1946 to his parents Herb and Marilynn Lafley in Beaumont TX.

Dale’s family moved to Orlando FL, when he was 6 years. He spent the early part of his life in Orlando before returning to Beaumont for high school at South Park High School. He started working at an early age. He started throwing newspaper and later mowing grass with his brother Duwayne. While in high school at South Park HS, Beaumont, he worked at Travis Brothers Hardware. After high school he worked at Sears and Leon’s Cycle Shop. In the 1970’s he moved to Houston and worked at Hoover Vacuum. Then Dale went to work for Otis Elevator and later ESP Elevator (Thyssenkrupp) He worked for 30 years as an elevator mechanic before retiring. During this time, he along with Charlotte ran Aim Vacuum and Sewing Center.

Dale met Charlotte at a club called the Time Machine in Spring Branch. First time either one had been there, dragged along with friends. They started dating and were married August 12, 1978, in Bellville, Texas. Lived in Spring Branch before moving to Creekside Estate South in northwest Houston.

Dale enjoyed doing woodwork and built bookshelves and platform beds for his home. He remodeled houses and he and Charlotte had several rent houses, which kept him busy. He enjoyed working with his boys in whatever they got interested. Whether it was bicycles, skateboards, motorcycles or souping up their cars.

Dale liked to vacation. Vacations during Christmas break to Big Bend National Park, camping at Lake Stubblefield, and trips to Surfside. He also took the family back to Orlando and showed the boys where he grew up. The houses where he lived, his schools and all the lakes where he and his brothers played. Of course, went to Disney World, numerous times. His last trip to Orlando was to show his grandson, Philip where he lived and visit Disney World.

In 2008, we went on a cruise after Hurricane Ike, and met Linda and Bill Steinkamp. Dale and Bill had the common interest of cars, all kinds of cars, drag racing cars, antique cars, you name it, they would talk about it. Dale and Bill were close friends and had quiet a few adventures until Bill’s passing.

Dale’s hobby above all was always CARS, CARS & CARS. He owned numerous old cars and trucks. His most memorable car was the 1953 Corvette he owned after high school. His most recent favorite was his 1929 Ford Sedan. Along the way he owned, built and cared for 47 Chev Truck, 27 Ford T-Bucket, 68 Corvette, 63 Ranchero, 81 DeLorean and 26 Ford Sedan and many other cars.

He helped a lot of people with their cars, but his most memorable project was helping his friend Andy Loyd work on his 1953 Studebaker. Dale went with Andy and the crew to Bonneville Utah to the Salt Flats in 2016. There they tested the car for land speed records which won 3 World Records. He loved to talk about that adventure. Whenever Andy would visit, Dale always had smile for him.

The family would like to thank Dale’s many friends who generously gave assistance and support during his illness and the medical staff from Omegalife Hospice, especially Jackie, Mary, Aric and Jahren, who provided their compassionate care.

A celebration of life service gathering honoring Dale will be held from 10:00 a.m. until Noon, Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Waltrip Funeral Directors.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions can be made in the memory of Dale to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Brain Support Network or your favorite charity.