Dale D. Roper age 86 of Fair Grove, Mo died Wednesday, September 28, 2022. He was born on September 25, 1936.  Son of Wilbert and Jean Roper, Dale graduated from Fair Grove High School in 1954 and was a lifelong resident of Fair Grove. Dale was the oldest of seven children, and his family will always have fond memories of his sense of humor and his unique story telling abilities.

Dale was part of a racing family and lived his life for racing.  He began racing in 1965 and won roughly 200 races, including seven track championships at three different tracks; Bolivar Speedway, I-44 Speedway in Lebanon and Fort Wood Speedway near Waynesville. Dale, (a.k.a., “The Flying Postman”) was inducted into four Missouri Racing Sports Hall of Fames.  He treasured his racing friends and fans, and he loved helping and mentoring many young drivers along the way.

Dale owned and drove a school bus for Fair Grove Schools and was a Mail Carrier for many years. When racing season was over in the summer months, Dale enjoyed officiating High School Basketball games in the surrounding area.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his Brother Dean, his nephews Tony Roper and Greg Blair and brother-in-law Bill Davis. Dale is survived by the love of his life, Shirley, son, Dale Jr. (Charlene), daughter Dana Roper-Effinger (Keenan) one granddaughter, Nikki, and two great-granddaughters, Lainey and Addison. His sisters Becky Farmer, Lois Davis, Jeri Roper, Sue Roper and Jana Roper Setzer (Mike), and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Dale will be 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East with Celebration of Life following at 6:00 p.m. For friends and family to share stories and memories of Dale’s life. The family will have a private burial at Mt. Comfort Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Ozarks Area Racing Foundation (please make checks payable to Ozark Area Racing Foundation in memory of Dale Roper.)  Mail to Mark Perry 3333 W Wayland Dr., Springfield, Mo 65807