L. Dale Pierce

Lindel ‘Dale’ Pierce, age 92, of Greencastle, Indiana, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026. Born on January 23, 1934, to Millard and Arrow Pierce, he lived a remarkably full life defined by his faith, profound love for family, and a legacy of community service.

A proud veteran, Dale honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, a formative time that anchored his lifelong values of duty and discipline. Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Dona Joan Irwin, on July 1, 1955. Together, they shared a beautiful, inspiring marriage of 68 years, walking together through life’s triumphs and challenges until her passing in 2023.

Following his military service, Dale established a successful 25-year career at IBM, working diligently in the copy/layout department until his well-earned retirement. Never one to sit idle, he later found a rewarding second career at Area 30, where he supervised and assisted carpentry students and served on the advisory board.

His decades of civic devotion left an indelible mark on the region he loved. He served with distinction on the Greencastle Community School Corporation Board for 27 years, advocating fiercely for generations of local students and employees. Deeply concerned for the safety and infrastructure of his neighbors, Dale was instrumental in the formation of the Madison Township Volunteer Fire Department, lent his steady leadership to The Big Walnut Water Company Board, and served on the Oakalla Lake Board. In his younger years, he coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball for 7 years.

Many days of the week, including the week before his passing, you could find Dale at the Rockville Produce Auction talking with friends while bidding on various produce and flowers to take to Stuckey Farm Orchard & Cider Mill in Sheridan, Indiana, which is owned and managed by his son Jeff and his family. He loved going to the “farm” as he enjoyed all the activities at Stuckey’s.

Above all his earthly accomplishments, Dale was a faithful servant of God and a deeply devoted member of the Longbranch Church of Christ. He also served as an elder for many years.

He is survived by his loving children: Teresa Glenn (Denny), Jeff Pierce (Shannon), and Tawnya Hunter (Mitchell). He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Fran (Brayden) Dahlstrom, Michael Glenn, Jessica Glenn, Jordan (Chelsey) Pierce, James Pierce, Skyler (Taylor) Hunter, and Jake (Hunter) Hunter; as well as eight beloved great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by three siblings: Wanda Stevens, Barbara Bustle, and Steve Pierce.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his cherished wife, Dona.

He took immense pride in watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up and remained an active, joyful part of their daily lives. Many grandchildren, nieces and nephews received their high school diploma at graduation from Dale while he served on the school board.

Services for Dale will be on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 1:00pm at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home in Greencastle. Visitation will be from 11:00am until service time. The burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Riley Hospital for Children in his honor.