Birth date: Apr 22, 1943 Death date: Jul 3, 2021
Beloved husband, brother, stepfather, grandfather and trusted friend, Dale was released from the ravages of Lewy Body Dementia to run free forever. The eldest of six children born in Beaumont, TX to Dr. Dale and Ellen Hume Hager, Read Obituary
It was such a joy to have my oldest brother in my life. Dale was always there for me when I needed him. He was always a source of great advice with life’s challenges and such a gentle soul. He was also a great competitor in golf. I have great memories of playing football with his friends, Roger, Thomas, Danny and Randy. I will deeply miss my brother.
Pete Hager
I met Dale at the Pecan Hollow and Watters Creek senior golf leagues and was saddened to read his obituary. I really enjoyed immensely the times we played golf together and realized I hadn't seen him in a while. Dale is one of the rare people you meet that you would consider "one of the good guys".
Sincerely,
Wayne Suttle
I was so saddened to hear of Dale's passing. Although I seldom saw Dale except at running events, I felt like he was a life-long friend. He always had a genuinely warm and hearty greeting for me every time we met which, for me, was too infrequent. My greatest memory of Dale was being a part of his National Masters Championship 4x800 Relay Team and I will always remember Dale as a Champion through and through. Rest in peace dear friend.
Dale was the best brother I could ever ask for. Deeply loyal to his family, he was always such fun at family gatherings, organizing us all for various games and competitions. Amazingly generous and kind, he was also a true gentlemen. I will always love him and keep in my heart forever.
His only sister, Lewise Hager Lucaire
Competitive, smart, kind and caring – that’s how I’ll remember Uncle Dale. Or Uncle Dales. The Uncle Dale of my childhood who was the runner (before running was cool), who organized cousin races in my grandparent’s circular drive, and the uncle who introduced me to stocks and investing. And then the Uncle Dale after he married Bettie, who brought his softer, caring side to the surface. Still competitive on the golf course but in love with and devoted to Bettie he even grew to love dogs!
The last time I saw him I was struck by two things – the first was that even though dementia was closing in the Uncle Dale I knew and loved was still in there as he stroked his chin when he saw me, a reference to all the times he’d given me a hard time about my beard. The second was how loved and cared for he was by Aunt Bettie. I’m forever grateful for how she faithfully loved and cared for my uncle for the 30 years of their marriage.
Dale was a a kind person who always took the time to involve himself in the lives of others. He shared his vast knowledge on a multitude of subjects and also called, coached and showed up at events to support those he loved or had befriended. He was so kind and mild mannered that I honestly don’t ever recall him ever raising his voice in anger, although often to cheer someone on. He was always the life of the party at family gatherings organizing intricate competitions for the younger family members. I will very much miss being able to reach out to him for advice or friendly conversation. Rest in peace, Uncle Dale.
I met Dale 57 years ago as a freshman distance runner at S.M.U. We have stayed friends all of these years attending track and cross-country meets together until about two years ago. He was a true gentleman and a wonderful friend who made it a point to make you feel special. He is greatly missed. Condolences to his family.
Ben Brewer
In my early years living in Dallas, Dale was one of the first running friends I made. In my mind, he'll always be running at White Rock Lake.
