Dale Thomas Rees

DALE T. REES peacefully passed away on 8 January 2025 after a hard fought medical battle. Dale was born on 12 February 1956 in Gibsonia, PA where he galavanted the streets of Pittsburgh his first 18 years. In 1974, he enlisted in the US Air Force where he started his 33 year military career across USAF Active Duty and the Reserve component retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel and most proudly as the Commander, 36 APS at JB Lewis-McChord, WA. In parallel, he served 30+ years in Federal Civilian Service working in Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) continuing to help and assist military members and their families. Dale survived by his wife - Sharon, his son - Justin (wife, Chandler), his grandchildren, Charlie & soon-to-be “Baby J” arriving in early April ’25, and his brothers - Timmy and DD.

His proudest moments were sharing the accomplishments of Justin and Chandler’s military service as they continue to live on the USAF family legacy. Dale enjoyed boating, waterskiing, fishing, Alaskan outdoor adventures, snowmobiling, watching the Mariners, Seahawks, & UW Huskies, and playing (mediocre) golf which became his retirement passion. Over the past decade, Sharon and Dale embraced the “snowbird” lifestyle splitting time between AZ and WA to chase the sunshine and warmer weather.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on the rear-patio of Great Eagle Golf Course, 17091 N Happy Trails Blvd, Surprise, AZ 85374 on Saturday, 18 January at 2:00pm. The family asks to bring any pictures of Dale to add to his remembrance book.

For any Washington family and friends, an inurnment service with military honors will be held on Wednesday, 19 February, at 12:30pm at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th Street, Kent, WA.