Oscar Dale

Oscar Dale, known throughout the area as Cleveland's Friendliest Citizen, passed away Thursday, November 13, 2003 at the Faith Home in Cleveland at the age of eighty-six years, one month and thirteen days.

Oscar was born September 30, 1917 in Summer, Oklahoma. He was the son of William Franklin and Nellie G. Dale. He moved with his family at an early age to rural Pawnee County, near Hallett and Jennings, where they operated a farm. Oscar and two brother, Frank and Tom later moved to Cleveland, which became their home.

Over the past forty years, Oscar has been an icon in Cleveland. He was perhaps the epitome of a Cleveland Tiger Fan. He faithfully attended Tiger sporting events, and always felt like the Tigers were the winners, regardless of the outcome of the game. The Tiger Booster Club painted his name on his own seat at the stadium and Oscar proudly showed it to everyone attending the games. His picture was taking with numerous Tiger teams and cheerleading squads over the past twenty years.

Oscar served as door greeter and ensured that shopping baskets were available to all customers at the Safeway, IGA and Wal-Mart. He even retired several years ago as a Wal-Mart greeter. He would often be seen in the community wearing his Wal-Mart vest with buttons he had been given or collected from all over the area. He was presented the Cleveland's Friendliest Citizen Award for his efforts in these areas. Oscar loved everyone and always welcomed them with open arms to Cleveland. He was also selected as the Grand Marshall for the Pioneer Parade several years ago, as he always loved participating in the local parades. He would often be seen riding the fire truck or police car in a parade. It has been said by many that Oscar was their first memory of Cleveland.

His obvious faith in Christ was evident daily in his expression, Don't worry about it, the Lord will take care of it. Oscar was a member of the First Christian Church and they were part of his extended family.

After the death of his brothers that resided in Cleveland, Oscar was adopted by Joe and Judy Cole and their family. He loved to travel to sporting events with them and really enjoyed camping. Of his many activities, Oscar especially like the Tulsa Zoo. He was also fond of painting and his curious nature always had him attempting to fix things, even if they were not broken.

Oscar was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Frank and Tom. He is survived by his family, Joe and Judy Cole of Cleveland, Christie Wilson of Jenks, Jason Cole of Dallas, TX., Suzie McWhorter, Casey Rackley and Jeff McWhorter, all of Wellston, Beth Harris of Edmond and a brother, John Dale of Blackwell, OK.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, November 15, 2003 at the First Christian Church with Dakota Rush officiating. Burial will be at the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.

Visit an online obituary, guestbook and video tribute for Oscar Dale at www.chapman-black.com.