William Thomas Dale

William Thomas Dale, 92, of Mesa, AZ, passed away on May 19th, 2025. Bill was born on February 9th, 1933 on a farm in Cambridge, KS. to John A. and Alpha V. (Garoutte) Dale. Bill had 8 brothers and sisters and was the last surviving member of his family.

Bill grew up and attended schools in Winfield,KS, graduating from Winfield High School in 1951. He was offered a minor league contract as a pitcher with the Cleveland Indians organization, but the US Air Force and the Korean War beckoned instead.

Bill served in the US Air Force from 1951-1955, serving at Sheppard Air Force Base, TX, Fairchild Air Force Base, WA and flew missions as a Tail Gunner in a RB-29 over Korea with the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan. Bill’s final assignment was at Lowry Air Force Base, CO, where Bill decided to stay after his discharge from the Air Force.

While attending the University of Denver, Bill went to work for Central Bank of Denver in 1955 and shortly thereafter met LaRetta Higginson. Bill and LaRetta were married in 1957 and to that union were born 2 sons, Steve in 1958 and Doug in 1961. Bill and LaRetta were married for 23 years.

Bill worked in the Banking Industry for almost 30 years. Bill then owned a travel agency in Ft. Collins, CO for a short time before going to work for the US Post Office. He finally retired from the Post Office in 2009 at the age of 76.

Bill met Violet May Anderson at a friend's house in 2001 and Bill asked Violet out on their first date to the Downtown Denver Aquarium. They were married shortly thereafter. Bill and Violet spent 24 wonderful years together, traveling and spending time with family and church friends. Bill and Violet moved to Mesa, AZ in 2015 to be close to family. Violet was at Bill’s side during his last days and hours and was a comfort to him up to the end.

Bill made a choice to serve the Lord and enjoyed the fellowship. Bill finished the race.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and all 8 of his siblings. Bill’s advice, big smile, sense of humor and twinkle in his eye will be sadly missed by his wife Violet of Mesa. AZ, son’s Steve (Wynesta) of Monrovia, CA and Doug (Jacquie) of San Tan Valley, AZ, special grandson Jace of San Tan Valley, 3 granddaughters, Breauna of Lamar, CO, Alexis of Greeley, CO, Lacey of Ft. Collins, CO and 7 great-grandchildren, all of Colorado, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special brother-in-law Stephen Bugay.

Services for Bill will be held at 1 PM on May 25th, 2025 at Mariposa Gardens, 400 South Power Road, Mesa, AZ 85206, with private inurnment at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at a later date.

Live Streaming will be available. Please send an email to [email protected] and the link will be provided prior to the start of the service.