Dale Edward Despain

Dale Edward DeSpain was born June 8, 1952 in Oklahoma City, OK to Alton Edward DeSpain and Leta Zae Wood DeSpain. He passed from this life peacefully at his home in Owasso, OK on September 1, 2016. His last days were spent surrounded by family and friends. Dale’s childhood and youth were spent in Midwest City, OK where he attended Spencer Schools. His family moved to “the farm” near Lindsay, OK where he graduated high school in 1970. Dale went to work for Southwestern Bell directly after graduation and retired in December 2013 with 43 years of service. Dale married his beloved soulmate, Cathryn Ann Bunce of Oklahoma City, on January 6, 1973. They were blessed with 43 years together. They moved several times with the phone company within Oklahoma spending significant time in Enid, Oklahoma City, and Owasso, making many lifelong friends in each place.

Dale is survived by his wife, Cathryn; mother, Leta; beloved son and daughter-in-law, Paul Edward DeSpain and Athena; precious daughter, Sarah Cathryn DeSpain; sister, Carole DeSpain Rice and husband, Johnny; and brother, Ricky DeSpain and wife, Kim. His family was a constant source of love and support. His life was filled with the immeasurable love and joy of 5 grandchildren: Abigail Lillie, Benjamin Edward, Levi Dale, Naomi Grace and Judah Paul. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Bobby Gene Bunce, and mother-in-law, Barbara Ann Capps Bunce; sister-in-law, Marsha Bunce Sharp and husband Jeff, and an extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins,nieces and nephews. He leaves behind cherished friends who blessed his life in many ways.He was preceded in death by his father, Alton Edward DeSpain in 2008.
Dale loved his children and grandchildren, cars and car shows, meandering the backroads of Oklahoma, the wonders of nature, trips to Colorado and spending time with friends. Mostly, he loved Cathryn and he loved life. His unfailing faith in God and optimistic spirit were the hallmarks of his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to a charity of your choice or to Arubah Community Clinic in Collinsville, OK; Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, or Iron Gate (Soup Kitchen/Food Pantry) in Tulsa.

A private burial at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Norman, OK will precede a Celebration of Life service at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City at 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 7, 2016. Arrangements have been entrusted to Schaudt’s -Tulsa Funeral Service, 5757 S. Memorial Drive. Memories may be shared at ww.schaudtfuneralservice.com

The family would like to express their gratitude to the many friends, family, and gifted and loving members of the medical community who have prayed and walked this journey with them. God is Good. Life is Good. Great things He has done, His mercies endure forever.