Jerry D. Dale

In Loving Memory of Jerry Dale

Jerry was born in Iowa on March 19, 1937, and lived his life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a smile on his face. Shortly after graduating from high school, he joined the Army, beginning a life filled with adventure.

Jerry went on to have a career in data processing. He played an instrumental role in the opening of the VA National Data Processing Center in Austin, Texas in 1970. He was proud of his work, but he was equally proud of the many adventures and memories he created along the way.

He especially loved water skiing and took great pleasure in teaching others how to ski. He was an enthusiastic instructor with one very important rule: you were not allowed back in the boat until you learned the skill! Many family and friends can probably still hear him saying it.

After retirement, Jerry and his wife, Carol, hit the road in their RV and traveled throughout the United States, visiting every state and most of the provinces of Canada. Jerry also taught RV classes at Life on Wheels and Escapees Bootcamp, sharing his knowledge of tow bars and RV travel with anyone willing to learn.

Jerry was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, although his greatest love may have been Blue Bell ice cream. He loved every flavor and apparently saw no reason to choose just one!

Above all, Jerry loved life and loved his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a generous spirit, and an ever-present smile that made people feel welcome.

Jerry will be deeply missed by his wife, Carol, daughter, Brenda, and the many family members and friends whose lives he touched. He leaves behind wonderful memories of his stories, laughter, lessons, and love of adventure. Jerry lived a full and happy life—he served, traveled, taught, cheered for the Cowboys, enjoyed plenty of Blue Bell, and, most importantly, made people smile. His life was well lived, his memories will be cherished, and there’s probably a bowl of Blue Bell somewhere Jerry would have been happy to finish.

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cocnranfh.com.