David C. Dale

David Clark Dale, 87, born February 11, 1938, in Rochester, New York, passed away on December 15, 2025, at his home in Fredericksburg, Virginia. David received both his undergraduate and law degrees from Indiana University. Upon graduation, he, Carol, and their infant daughter moved to Bluffton where he joined the law firm of Edris and Edris, which later became Edris, Dale & Brown during his years of affiliation. In 1979, David formed his own firm, which eventually became Dale, Huffman and Babcock. Accompanying him was Barbara Shadle, his dedicated longtime office administrator and paralegal. This partnership would flourish for nearly six decades, with Barbara becoming the dearest of family friends. Nearly 40 years later, at the youthful age of 80, David semi-retired, and he and Carol moved east to live near family. They really cherished their nightly gatherings for spirited, and often competitive, games of cards. Having grandkids living nearby was an extra special treat. During his lifelong career of service to both city government and Wells County, David was instrumental in bringing the ethanol plant to town to serve Wells County farmers. He was a founder of United Way of Wells County and served for many years on the board of the Caylor-Nickel Foundation. Not one to seek accolades, David was deeply humbled and honored to be chosen by the Wells County Chamber of Commerce as Outstanding Citizen of the Year for the historic year 2000 and Outstanding Business of the Year (Dale, Huffman and Crowell) in 2002. When not immersed in legal work or community projects, David pursued many interests outside the workplace. Through the decades, he was an avid runner, golfer, and backpacker, embarking on expeditions with friends to places such as the Grand Canyon, Jackson Hole, the Appalachian Trail, and the Cotswold Way in southwest England. When his family was young, many weekends and summer holidays were spent at his in-laws’ lake cottage on Barron Lake in Niles, Michigan, where he enjoyed time with extended family, water skiing, and casting a fishing line. David and Carol were early members of Calvary Lutheran Church, where they remained actively involved for 55 years until leaving Bluffton in 2018. A beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carol (Brockmann) Dale and his brother, Alan Dale of Illinois. David will also be greatly missed by his children: Jennifer Sundling of Westlake Village, California; Jill (Steve) Harcourt of Montpelier, Virginia; Courtney (Mark) Vinyard of Wake Forest, North Carolina; and Christopher (Roselyn) Dale of King George, Virginia; as well as thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Morris; his brother, Ralph Dale; and his son-in-law, Tom Sundling. Please consider honoring David’s life with a contribution of time and talent to benefit your local community. Monetary memorials can be directed to Calvary Lutheran Church.

David C. Dale

February 11, 1938 - December 15, 2025