Walter Dale, Oldham, age 83, of Springfield, peacefully passed away on November 21, 2022, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. Dale, as he was more commonly known, was born to Walter and Alora (Ridge) Oldham on September 14, 1939, in Britton, Oklahoma, a small town located near Oklahoma City. Dale was raised in Greenfield, Oklahoma and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1957. On December 5, 1957, in El Reno, Oklahoma, Dale was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Myrtle Colleen Long. The couple shared 60 years of marriage before Colleen’s passing in 2017. Dale and Colleen were blessed with a large family consisting of 7 children, 16 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. 

 Shortly after his marriage to Colleen, Dale enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served our nation for three years during peacetime in South Korea. While in the Army, Dale earned a medal for his sharpshooting ability. Following his honorable discharge in 1962, Dale continued his patriotic duty in the Army National Guard. He became a very skilled mechanic while serving in the military. Those mechanical skills contributed significantly to his success as the owner of an Arco gas station and service center. After a lengthy career, Dale sold his gas station and continued his success as a businessman and entrepreneur. He even served as president of the New Mexico Country Music Association. Dale enjoyed coaching basketball in his younger years, fishing, woodworking, watching old westerns, and surfing the Internet. Dale especially enjoyed family get-togethers and holiday celebrations. In his later years, Dale turned his hand to cooking and produced a great many wonderful holiday meals himself. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals and had a deep respect for the game of baseball. And, while he loved to socialize with family and friends, he particularly enjoyed spending quality time with his chihuahua, Tia. Dale will be remembered as a proud veteran, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will also be remembered for overcoming many serious health issues and never complaining about his circumstances or challenges. His legacy will continue to live in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. 

 Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Alora Oldham; wife, Colleen Oldham; son, Wesley Oldham; and brothers, Bud and George Oldham. He is survived by his daughter, Terri Oldham; son, Johnny Oldham; son, Gary Oldham and wife Dona; daughter, Lisa Strode; daughter, Yvonna Lucero; son, Stacey Oldham and wife Ryan; sister, Mary Smith; 16 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. 

 A visitation for Walter Dale Oldham will be held on Friday, November 25, 2022, from 2:00-3:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield (3506 N National Ave). A funeral service, officiated by Michael Berry, will be held immediately following the visitation. Dale will be laid to rest next to his wife in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Dale’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association of Springfield located at 901 E. St. Louis Street, Suite 702, Springfield, MO 65806 (417-886-2199). Your generous donation will be used to advance critical care, provide support, and further research.