Hugh Dale Fowlkes passed from this life on Monday, March 16, 2015 after a courageous battle with Alzheimers.
Dale was born in Amarillo, Texas to Vivian and Jasper Fowlkes and died in Edmond, Oklahoma. He graduated from Amarillo High School and attended Texas Tech University. Dale was an accomplished musician and led a swing band for many years. The band often spent summers playing in Yellowstone National Park and it was there in 1955 that he met his future bride Judee (Judith Orr). They were married in Denver, Colorado on October 19, 1956 and shared their love and lives until Judee's passing in December of 2003. Dale was employed for 32 years in the US Postal Service, beginning as a letter carrier then advancing as an operations manager, postal inspector, and ultimately to his final assignment as the postmaster in Edmond, OK. He had many interests outside of work and counted being a founding member of the Elks Lodge 2578 in Edmond among his favorite. Retirement allowed him time to do volunteering for Project Read and as a passionate Civil War enthusiast, he dedicated considerable energy to his book collection, The Order of the Stars and Bars, and to battlefield reenactments.
"Papa" as he was known to his grandchildren, will be remembered for his merciless mastery of Monopoly, Chickenfoot, cherry limeade sherbet always available in the freezer, the painting and naming of turtles who ventured into the yard, and for his love for Christmas decorations. Friends and family will always remember his love of playing cards and his incredible people skills, seldom meeting a stranger and always quick with a creme saver candy to hand out to everyone.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his wife Judith Orr Fowlkes. In 2005 Dale married Betty Jean Burns in Amarillo, Texas and after briefly making their home in Tyler, Texas they relocated to Edmond, OK.
Dale is survived by his wife Betty Burns-Fowlkes of Amarillo, TX and by his brother Charles G. Fowlkes of Amarillo, TX. He is also survived by his devoted daughters Cindy Jones (husband Mike Jones) of Edmond and Alicia Vanhooser MD (husband Ross Vanhooser MD) of Enid OK. Surviving grandchildren include Jessica Jones MD (husband Trevor Rhoads) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Alex Jones MD (wife Blair Jones) of Columbia, MO, Sydney Rogers (husband Kyle Rogers) of Oklahoma City, Shelby Vanhooser of Enid and Colby Vanhooser of Enid.
Even in the last stages of his illness Dale would still find a way to share the twinkle of his eyes and a mischievous wink with all of us who loved him.
The family would like to thank his physicians, caregivers at Touchmark Memory Care, his newest friends at Autumn Leaves of Edmond, and the kind people at Faith Hospice.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Dale's life on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 2:00 PM. The service will be at The Memorial Park Historic Cemetery Chapel at 13400 N. Kelley in Oklahoma City, OK with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Dale's memory to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 6, 2015
Jenifer Fryar
Hello Cindy and Alicia, I am so sorry for your loss. Reading through the obituary brought back so many memories of the stories your mother would tell of Dale's antics. I looked through the pictures and can tell you have great families.
April 6, 2015
We have many good memories of good times with Dale and Judee. Also with you,Cindy and Alicia. You were good neighbors. We will miss him. Jim and Hanna Krahn
April 1, 2015
Mack McLendon
My condolences to the family.
March 31, 2015
Charles Bolding
We had many good times and memories
Charles and Marilyn Bolding, Winnsboro, TX
March 25, 2015
James Hagemeier
Dale and I practically grew up together in Amarillo. We went to Wilson Elementary, Nixon Junior High and AHS together. I was a member of the Sandie Swingsters for a couple of years and let me tell you we always had a blast wherever we played. He was a great friend for many years. I will surely miss him. Blessings to all of his family. I will attempt to attend his memorial service if at all possible.
James Hagemeier
Amarillo, Texas
March 24, 2015
Dale and I shared many great times as members of the SandieSwingsters. Playing Gigs all around the Texas and Olka. Pandhandle. I was a member of the band that played that first year (1955) in Yellowston Nat, Park at Lake Lodge. I still have a picture of that bunch ( Bill Lofgren, Don Burt, Don Greer, dale Warren Tuckness) hanging in my office.
Our year at Texas Tech (1956-57)was a real Kick. We all lived in the basement aptm. at 1611 Ave Y and many good times playing around the Lubbock Area.
Abe was a wonder friend and I will always have him and his familey in my thoghts prayers.
Stan (Pitt) Pittman Dallas, Texas
March 20, 2015
Kim Dowrie
Cindy and Alicia, I too will miss your Dad's twinkle, but I know that Grandpa finally has his fourth for the Bridge table and that my Dad and Uncle Dale are having great adventures. Sorry for our loss and you and your families are in our prayers.
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