I am moved to leave a note as a condolence to Dale’s family, in remembrance of days gone by. Dale and I were in kindergarten together at Pershing grade school and I lived a block north of him on Olive Street. 
Our kindergarten teacher, Miss Mintz, taught us to skip, and I still remember Dale’s particular form of skipping.
At  some point in time, Dale’s dad took the three of us, the third being Gary Bradley, to the circus in downtown KC. Many happy memories of days gone by. 
Again, I’m sorry for your loss of a man who grew up to be strong in character.
Dale also seems to have grown up looking like a ditto to his father, whom I thought was very special; and from the family photos, I see that Dale’s  son was a ditto of his dad at five years old:  Another way that the Lord blesses us in and for our memories.

My heart is broken to have lost such a sincere and giving person.   Guy and I both have fond and amusing memories of Dale.  He was a wise individual with a quiet nature to keep you off guard.  That was part of his dry humor.    My Great Uncle Elmer and Great Aunt Ellen taught him well and would be proud of the life he built.  Our thoughts and hugs go out to Berna Jean and family during this difficult time.   May you find comfort in your memories of him and each other along with your strong faith.  

Cousin
Connie Norman Hayden and Guy Hayden

Dear BernaJean and family
My most sincere condolences.   Dale was a very special person.  I truly enjoyed his humor and wit.   His life was a true witness to his strong Christian  beliefs in God and family.    I am sure he is now entertaining all the Saints in Heaven and they are all enjoying him.  He will be greatly missed but always present in spirit. 
BernaJean, my prayers and thoughts are with you and family. God is with all of you holding you close to His heart to comfort and love you.
Peace be with you.  Love, Saun

I have many fond memories of Uncle Dale, we’ll all miss him and we’re all better from knowing him. He’s one of the center characters in my youthful memories of a loving and warm extended family we were blessed to spend so much time with. Family trips, church camps and lock-ins, Thanksgivings and Christmas time, and countless nights falling asleep to the sounds of aunts and uncles playing cards laughing and talking for hours. My fondest memories were from getting to re-know him when I was a young man and we worked and even travelled together on business. He offered wise advice that I sometimes even asked for but always listened to. I saw a man at peace with himself and with others and a great perspective on life’s true priorities.

I was recently telling family how, as an adult, it dawned on me just how impressive it was that Uncle Dale put up with us girls singing a cappella in the car (for what could have been an hour straight). At the time, I thought he just tolerated it —which was still generous. But what I came to realize later in life was that more often than not, Uncle Dale was truly enjoying all the activity around him.

Growing up, at times, he might have been sitting at his computer during a family gathering. But it’s not because he was trying to block out the commotion around him. Rather, it was a way for him to sit in the midst of it, so he could soak in all the laughter, conversations, and activity. And as the years passed, you see even more pictures of him diving in, face to face with all the littles—right in the middle of the mayhem. 

I remember my oldest when she was just two years old, feeling quite at ease hanging out with this very tall, Great Uncle she had not spent much time with yet (living so far away). She also said after a family gathering at their house that night, “Mommy, that was the best party I’ve ever been to!”.

When I would return to KC as a young adult, I started to notice how Uncle Dale was sincerely glad to see me. Our family is not lacking for people or conversation–yet he genuinely cared that I had come to visit. He wanted to hear what was going on in my world, and I enjoyed that our relationship was continuing to develop and grow with these conversations. 

Looking back now, I can appreciate how Uncle Dale was not just “along for the ride”. He was very intentional about creating it. He and Aunt Bernie knew what they valued from the get-go, and they made the sacrifices to back up their priorities with actions. The rest of us are on the receiving end of that, and continue to be so blessed by what they set in motion.

This was taken at our house in September.  We will all miss Dale so very much, even our dog Hazel!

Jeff  Tammy & Family we are so sorry for your loss. He was a great person  God Bless you all
                                    All Our Love
                                    Phil & Mary

Sending love and prayers to you, Berna Jean, Jeff, Jennifer, Amanda and families. We have wonderful memories of Dale. And the most recent one was when he came to see our mama in Weatherford, OK.  You all made Granite such a fun place when you came to visit Elmer and Ellen Norman. Love you very much.

I will always appreciate the dinners I had with Uncle Dale and Aunt Bernie at their local Mexican restaurant. It was clear they were regulars, and the staff was so happy to see them. I heard a lot of good stories over chips and salsa those evenings!

From fiddling on the furnace with Uncle Dale to having dinner at Campestre with Aunt Bernie and Uncle Dale it was always fun!

Genuine and caring seemed like he never missed the opportunity for a joke or a good piece of advice.

Berna Jean, I was saddened to hear about the passing of Dale. You know how much I enjoyed our bantering back and forth. He was a fine man.
My condolences to you and your family.
Brenda Varner

Howard convinced Uncle Dale to cut the cinnamon bread Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. We were all grateful for that. 11/24/21

To my 2nd Dad…,I’ve known you since I was born. My parents and you and Berna Jean were besties, in one another’s weddings and lived near one another. The many times together with our families, the wknd get togethers when us kids were young,  the parties, 4th of July celebrations, the many Christmas gatherings with our families that grew with more and more family each year…those were the best. I have so many awesome and fun memories with you that I’ll never forget plus the countless times you tickled us, joked with us and made us laugh 🥲…. You will be very much missed! Tell my Dad hi and that I miss him so much! 🥹❤️

Great niece Ivey cuddling with Uncle Dale. He will be very missed.

Great nephew Owen enjoying Thanksgiving with Uncle Dale. Uncle Dale's bread was a staple of my kids Thanksgiving's growing up.

Around for a lot of events and even game for attending children's birthday parties, Uncle Dale watching his great nephew Eric open gifts.

This is the last picture I have of Uncle Dale, taken in August this year. We went to visit before school began. I remember taking this photo because I thought it was funny that Aunt Bernie had candy and cookies out for the kids but they breezed right by the treats to say hi to Uncle Dale first thing!

OBITUARY

Dale Norman

March 24, 1942 – October 1, 2025

McGilley & George Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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