Dale DeVene Obituary

Dale A. DeVene Sr.

Surrounded by family, Dale A. DeVene Sr., passed peacefully Saturday, February 14, 2026. Dale was born November 12, 1931, at the home of his parents, Dennis and Gladys (Hendricks) DeVene, in Carey.

Dale graduated from Carey High School in 1950 and left shortly thereafter to serve in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1955. During his time in the service, he was in Search and Rescue and Strategic Air Command.

Dale then married Helen M. Simpson, January 7, 1956, in Mamaroneck, New York. She died November 7, 1983. On June 15, 1995, he married Dally DeWood, and she survives. Also surviving are his two children, Dale (Susan) DeVene Jr. and Amy (Tony) Tran; grandchildren, Jennifer London, Rachel (Bill) Chheu, Carissa (Jesse) Arnold, Hannah and Autumn Tran; great-grandchildren, Leah Rodas and twins Leon and Damian Arnold. After his marriage to Dally, his family grew to include her children, Gary (Cheryl) DeWood, Bill (Eileen) DeWood, Bob (Val) DeWood, Ken (Jane) DeWood, Kathy (Tim Sheehan) Garlock, Julie (Jeff) Rayis; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Dale in death were his parents and two sisters, Lucille (Haldon) Hunterbrinker and Alice (Robert) Kromer and their husbands.

Dale retired from the Kodak Processing Lab in Findlay in 1986 after 30 years as a processor and later a maintenance technician. After his retirement, he worked at the Photo Center that was located in downtown Findlay and for Findlay City Schools.

He was the founding member of Blanchard Valley Model Railroad Club. In addition, he was a member of Bluffton University "Learning in Retirement" program, Findlay Art League, and the YMCA. He was a former member of Findlay Area Arts Council, Hancock Co. Historical Society, Historical Preservation Guild, and Kiwanis in Findlay and Bluffton.

Dale was an avid photographer and a musician. He was passionate about playing the piano, always learning new techniques. He played a recital at age 80.

A special thanks to Dr. Iboaya and staff of the Dialysis Center, Hospice staff, and especially the great staff at Sunrise.

Visitation for Dale will be from 9 a.m.- noon Saturday, February 21, 2026, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay. Funeral service will immediately follow at noon. Burial at Van Horn Cemetery with full military honors, performed by Hancock County Memorial Squad, will follow the service.

Memorials may be given to the YMCA's "Feed the Children" program.

Condolences may be shared at coldrencrates.com.