I was Dale's pastor for nine years. He was a regular attender and continual encourager. His unique laugh echoed in our halls and his charismatic smile infected anyone around.
Dale drew a crowd when he started into his story-telling mode. His 'bigger-than-life' stories were captivating and often left you wondering how much was actually accurate. I've heard him tell stories about his brothers and sisters on numerous occasions. They must have been a tough bunch! He made them sound like lumberjacks or studio-wrestling types. He would unwind his stories and look you right-in-the-eye and say, "It's the truth!" :-)
The whole community will miss him for his assumed role as Santa Claus every Christmas season! He served the children and adults of our area for years as its greatest advocate of genuine Christmas joy! He was tireless in portraying this venerable character! Nobody did it better!
We invited him to stop by one year when our grandchildren were visiting. They were apparently too young to appreciate him and stood watching from behind their mother. But Dale spent over an hour trying to coax them to his side.
Eventually he turned his attention to our son, Troy, and our son-in-law, Jon. Before long, he had Troy on the floor teaching him how to do a one-handed push-up! And the stories rolled...
This expression of Christmas joy came to fruition one year during our NIGHT OF JOY celebration. As we presented the Christmas story that year, I had asked Dale to be a part of the evening. He showed up - in costume - and greeted people in the foyer before and after the program - picture-taking abounded!
But the most meaningful moment of the evening came when Dale (Santa) came forward at the climax of the play and knelt at the manger for a few moments. Powerful!
Many kids grew up at Free Methodist Community Church thinking that Santa attended their church all year long!
One of the things I loved about serving Free Methodist Community Church was the fact that we were rich with men on Sundays. There were a number of times during my tenure that I made a special appeal to men in the congregation. Each time I did so, Dale Garrett was the first on his feet and moving toward the front. I have no doubt that he loved the Lord and sincerely tried to be a good man!
Dale's generosity was a hallmark! He gave freely of his time, talent and treasure. On a couple of occasions he encouraged me to borrow his Corvette to use in taking Debbie out on a special date. I guess I was too proud to accept his offer which is a shame because I know he really wanted me to do so.
In 2012, Debbie and I left our role at FMCC and headed for China to teach English. Dale was so excited for us. Many years earlier, he and Pat had lived in Japan for a number of years and he regaled me with stories of the different countries they had visited and lived in. He strongly reassured me that this experience would be valuable and enjoyable. Of course, he was right!
During our three years in China, communications gradually declined - the "out-of-sight, out-of-mind" principle at work! We distinctly felt the loss even among our family. We had some pretty lonely holidays during those years. But Dale never quit communicating! I have a file of stories that he sent along that brought me laughter and joy at a time of relative isolation. He kept me informed about his grandchildren and his other activities.
Like so many others, I'm going to miss him! I'll miss that high-pitched "He he he..." that signaled his excitement! I'll miss him coming up to me and telling me: "Pastor Hal, you're a good man!" He was the good man! He made an impression! Be sure that my prayers will prevail for Pat and the rest of this special family! Heaven is richer as this new resident thunders down the streets of gold!
If you'd like to read his obituary, copy and paste this link:
http://www.vindy.com/news/tributes/2017/nov/02/dale-l-garret/
Thank you for this amazing tribute of one of the most wonderful men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I've know Dale since 1987 when I was just a junior in Choffin vocational school. What started off as just a funny teacher, quickly became the beginning of a life long friendship. While reading your story, I felt as if you were there during every experience I've ever had with Dale. He was genuinely the most sincere man on this planet. It is my belief that Heaven is now a better place. I can imagine Dale up there telling his stories with all the angels and cherubs sitting around him, listening intently. I miss him greatly, but understand that he was needed up in Heaven. And for that, I do not mourn his death, but celebrate his life. I am blessed to have been able to call him Friend. Sincerely, Joe Baker
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