Dale Howard Stiles

Dale Howard Stiles, age 94, of Wapakoneta, OH, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 5:25 pm at Otterbein Community of Cridersville Long Term Care, with his family at his side. Dale was born on April 9, 1930, in Uniopolis, OH, the son of Wallie and Ruth (Steele) Stiles who preceded him in death. On July 15, 1951, he married Phyllis Lentz from Rockport, OH, who survives. Together they shared almost 73 years of marriage. Survivors include three children, Patricia (Jeff) Titus, Cicero, NY, David (Jeanne) Stiles, New Philadelphia, OH, Diane (Cecil) Baughman, Toledo, OH; 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Dale was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Millie and Cliff Elsass; sisters-in-law, Alice Spallinger and Janice Kahler; and parents-in-law, Wilbur and Mildred Lentz. He was a 1948 graduate from Blume Wapakoneta High School. He and his son, David, were the first father and son from Wapakoneta High School to both receive the FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer Degree. Dale was a farmer and an employee of Ford Motor Company, Lima Engine Plant, retiring in 1992. He loved working in his work shop. He cut the lumber from his own woods and sawed and planed the wood on his own equipment. He created furniture, clocks, picture frames, large and small toys, jewelry boxes, etc. If it was made out of wood, he could make it. Dale served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953, stationed at Fort Meyer, VA, with the 3rd Infantry, “The Old Guard”. Duties included guarding the President of the U.S. and other dignitaries that came to Washington DC, as well as a member of the Honor Guard for Arlington National Cemetery. Dale was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Botkins, OH, a member of the UAW, Local #1219, and a member of Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445. Above all, Dale was a model father and husband, a man who always lived life the way it should be. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, June 28, 2024, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Botkins, OH, with Rev. Michael Althauser officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens near St. Marys, OH, where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445. Friends and family may visit at the Eley Funeral Home, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, OH, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., Thursday, June 27, 2024, and 1 hour prior to the service, Friday, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Botkins, OH. Condolences may be expresses at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Dale Howard Stiles

April 9, 1930 - June 23, 2024