Ronald D Vawter

Dale as he was called by most, passed away peacefully in his home with family by his side on August 21, 2020.

Dale was born September 13, 1936 and married the love of his life, Bonnie Lou Vawter, on October 15, 1955. She preceeded him in death on November 29, 1999. He was also preceeded in death by his parents, Leonard Vawter and Edith Vaughn, stepfather Lester Vaughn, sisters Shirlee Johnson and Carole Kirkberg and great-grandson, Mason Darrow.

Dale leaves behind his daughter and son in law, Sandy and Ron, son and daughter-in law, Dusty and Christine, grandchildren, Justin Darrow, Jeremy (Lisa) Darrow, Joshua (Colleen) Darrow, Carlee (JP) Pharris, great grandchildren Maxwell Darrow, Wade Darrow, Zoey Darrow, Cameron Darrow and Phoenix Pharris.

Dale retired as an Engineer from the Bakersfield City Fire Department in 1991 where he served for 26 years. He cherished his years on the job and had many wonderful memories of his days serving the public. He kept in touch with his firefighter buddies throughout the years and they shared stories of the good old days. He will be remembered as a kind, generous and very talented man. Dale spent most of his time working in his garage when he wasn’t at the fire station. He had an upholstery business that kept him very busy during his days off. He was a perfectionist and master at just about any and everything he attempted. His motto was “If I can’t fix it, it ain’t broken”. He always had a joke ready to tell and loved to laugh and make others laugh.

He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, neighbors and his pets Phoebe, Annie and Britches.

The family wishes to express their deepest thanks to his caregivers, Theresa, Angel, Louis, Ashlee, Delia and Robert for the compassionate and loving care that Dale received over the last several months.

A graveside service will be held for family and close friends on September 13, 2020 at 10:00 am Hillcrest Mortuary.