Dale F. Welch

B: October 22, 1942
D: June 25, 2014

Dale F. Welch, 71, of Norman passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2014. He was born October 22, 1942 in Oklahoma City to Jesse D. and Vera Welch.

Dale grew up in Mustang where he attended school. Being tall was an asset as basketball was one of the few sports offered during his high school years. He was awarded a full basketball scholarship to Cameron Junior College where he graduated with an Associate's Degree. While attending college in Lawton, he met and married Patricia (Raley) Welch in 1963. Together they attended OSU before moving to Norman. In 1966 Dale joined the US Army Reserves 95th Division. He was Company Clerk and was named outstanding trainee of his basic training cycle.

Dale was a past member of the Norman Rotary Club. He served as President of the Norman Optimist Club for many years and was also appointed as Lt. Governor of Athletics for the State of Oklahoma Optimist Club. Dale coached girls' basketball for five years including an AAU basketball team that went to the National Finals in New Orleans. Dale enjoyed playing golf, fishing and hunting. He was also an avid Sooner fan and loved watching Sooner Football and Basketball. Dale enjoyed watching his three grandchildren grow up and participate in their activities.

He is survived by his wife Patricia and also his daughters Ginger Welch and Laurel Bodin along with her husband Tyler and their children Olivia, Brooks and Keegan Bodin. Dale is also survived by his three brothers, Jesse Welch Jr of Florida, Jimmy Welch of Arkansas and Darryl Welch of Edmond, OK.

A Burial with Holy Communion will begin at 2 p.m., Monday, June 30, 2014 at the St. John's Episcopal Church officiated by Reverend Dwight Helt, 235 West Duffy in Norman. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dale Welch may be made to the Assistance League of Norman Operation School Bell.

Arrangements for Dale and his family were placed in the care of the Vice family at the Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman. Online condolences may be shared at Havenbrook Funeral Home.