1935 – 2023
L. Dale DePue (87),of Edmond, OK died on March 31, 2023, in Edmond, OK. He was born on July 20, 1935, in Oklahoma City, OK where he grew up in the Walnut Grove neighborhood and graduated from Northeast High School in 1953. Dale received a full athletic scholarship to the University of Oklahoma where he played on the Sooner football team that won two National Championships ('55, '56), set the longest winning streak in college football history, and won the Orange Bowl ('56). Dale was the first person on either side of his family to graduate from college. He graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering and was soon employed by Continental Oil Company (Conoco) as a Reservoir Engineer.
In 1966, Dale was transferred to Carmi, IL and the family made First Presbyterian Church their faith community. It was there that Dale's passion for ministry with youth was born through weekly youth group gatherings and annual "Go + Serve" mission trips while serving as the youth leader. His leadership in this capacity opened Dale up to God's invitation to serve in full-time ministry. After 11 1/2 years with Conoco, Dale entered Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY, graduating with a Masters of Divinity in 1972.
Dale served as pastor to four churches throughout his ministry from 1972-2000: First United Presbyterian Church, Guthrie, OK; Grace Presbyterian Church, Houston, TX; First Presbyterian Church, San Angelo, TX; and First Presbyterian Church, Edmond, OK. Following retirement from full-time ministry, Dale served as the Oklahoma State Representative for Logan County (2004-2006).
Dale has been described as a servant leader — a quality evident in his ever-present desire and passion to serve others. As a youth leader in Carmi, he helped start Fisherman's Wharf (a safe space for the youth of the community to gather for fellowship); he carried this idea to the community of his first pastoral call in Guthrie, OK where he co-founded the Open Door Teen Center, took the church youth group on annual mission trips, and served the community as a member of the Guthrie School Board and Chamber of Commerce. For 25 years, Dale was active as a Spiritual Advisor and leader for numerous Oklahoma and North Texas Pilgrimage/Cursillo retreats.
While serving at Grace Presbyterian Church, Houston, Dale began taking youth on construction-type mission trips to Merida, Mexico and began building a relationship with the local Presbyterian Church pastors. By the time Dale had become an associate pastor in Edmond, he was invited to bring medical teams to serve the medical needs of the San Cosme community and surrounding area. This effort led to founding the Pan-American Medical Mission Foundation, Inc. and building a medical clinic and new church in San Cosme. Dale would say he didn't do any of this alone, but what he did do was say "Yes" to God's invitation to lead and serve, and then helped others recognize and respond with a "Yes" to God's invitation to them.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents Geraldine and Lionel DePue, wife of 55 years Barbara DePue, brother Gene DePue, and great-granddaughter Walker. Dale is survived by wife Crystal McGee DePue; daughters Pam Lovelady of Yukon, OK and Tracy DePue of Little Rock, AR; granddaughters Lisa Whitaker (Raj Jadeja) of Dallas, TX, Madelyne Lovelady (Brian Geiss) of Yukon, OK and Jennifer Lovelady of Bethany, OK; great grandchildren Emma, Chloe, Christina, Brayden, Nora, Hunter and Morgan; step-children Jeannie McGee Bath (Forrest) of Edmond, Joe McGee (Diana) of Eldorado, TX, Jameson McGee (Bridget) of Stafford, VA, Jordan McGee (Aubree) of Edina, MN; step-grandchildren Benjamin, Jonathan, Killian, Andrew, Nicolas, Allison, Lexi, Micah, Zac, and Marlowe; sister Beverly DePue Young (Earle) of Moore, OK; sister-in-law Sally DePue of Gardner, KS; and numerous extended family and friends.
We invite you to continue Dale's ministry of serving others,
by making a memorial contribution to:
The Work Activity Center, Inc.,
a non-profit organization that blesses the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing jobs (office-related work assignments provided by contracts with local businesses), training, and social skills. Checks may be sent to Attn.: Beverly Young, WAC, 203 E. Main St., Moore, Ok 73160 or donate online at ( wacok.com ).
Crossings Midtown Clinic (Formerly Good Shepherd Ministries) ,
whose mission is to humbly proclaim the message of Jesus by serving the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the uninsured. The scope of Clinic services includes medical, dental and vision healthcare. ( https://clinic.crossings.church/clinic/donate )
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of Villagio at Bradford Village, Edmond; and Bristol Hospice for the care and compassion they provided.
Public visitation will be held Wednesday April 5, 2023, at Matthews Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family present to greet friends and guests. Public visitation will continue Thursday April 6, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. as well as Friday April 7, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home.
Memorial Services will be held Saturday April 8, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Edmond, Oklahoma.