Dale Reece Dorman passed away peacefully, returning to his heavenly home, October 20th, 2025 in Rexburg, Idaho at the age of 102. He left behind a remarkable legacy of service, faith, and unwavering devotion to his God, family and country. His life was a celebration of resilience, integrity, and love.

Dale was born on August 8, 1923, in the humble farm home of his parents, Omer E. and Margery Mae Reece Dorman, on land homesteaded by his grandfather in Osborne County, Kansas. These early years, marked by the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, tested his family's resilience and resourcefulness. He often recalled the blinding dust storms, the rag his mother tied over his nose for protection, and his father's team of horses used for farming and building a local dam for the Works Progress Administration. These experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work, faith, and a love for horses.

His early years on their Kansas farm was just the beginning of a life of extraordinary service. Dale's family endured significant hardships living without electricity, indoor plumbing, and as sharecroppers. He rode a horse with his younger sister into town to attend school in a one-room country schoolhouse. At the age of 16, Dale's family moved west to Oregon in search of better opportunities. He graduated from Nyssa Union High School in 1941, then worked on a local farm while attending night classes in sheet metal work. At just 19, in 1943, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After finishing his required training in anti-aircraft artillery, he was encouraged to complete the training course to become a military policeman. He accepted the assignment and found great success working as an MP. At this point the war ended, and he volunteered for occupation duty in Germany—an experience that changed everything. While enjoying a 60 day leave before leaving for Germany, Dale attended a local dance in Ontario OR, where he met the love of his life, Lael Hansen of Weiser, ID. Their courtship blossomed into a beautiful marriage in 1949.

While serving in Germany, Dale continued to work as a MP and soon joined the Army's Criminal Investigation Division (CID). Serving in the CID was his true calling. Additionally, he and Lael started their family and after years of gentle persuasion, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Dale began to immerse himself in gospel living and the family was eventually sealed for time and eternity in the London England Temple.

His military career took him across the globe—serving in Germany, Korea, and throughout the United States commanding CID units, and earning the respect of his peers for his integrity, fairness, and quiet professionalism. Rising to the rank of Major, Dale continued to serve until his retirement after 22 years at Ft. Lawton, WA. in 1965.

Dale and Lael had purchased a home in Lakewood WA in 1956 and after one additional tour, they came back to Lakewood and became very established in the community. Upon retirement, he purchased Elvin E. Evans Real Estate Company and began his second career selling and developing real estate. Over the course of the next 55 years, Dale purchased a farm in Nisqually, WA and developed Riverbend Campground. He began raising horses and teaching the family to ride and enjoy horsemanship.  An active member of his community, he connected with colleagues and neighbors, always bringing his professionalism, humor, and kindness. He ran for a seat on the local school board, City Council, and maintained memberships with the Tacoma Executives Association, the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Realtors, Military Officers Association of America, the American Legion, and the National Rifle Association.

With Lael at his side, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and adventure. Over the years, they welcomed six wonderful children and served the Lord faithfully. Dale's service to the Lord included Bishop of the Young Adult 10thWard, counselor in Tacoma South Stake Presidency, service missionary in the Tacoma, WA mission, and temple patrons. They remained devoted to each other for 57 years until Lael's passing in 2006.

After retirement, Dale relocated to Rexburg ID and continued to find joy in tracing his family history—discovering Scottish and English ancestors, and other surprising connections. His love for genealogy, temple work, and family gatherings reflected his deep belief in remembering and honoring his heritage.

In 2025, at age 101, Dale was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Rexburg 4th of July Parade—an embodiment of patriotism, perseverance, and quiet heroism. His life was a victory of faith over fear, service over self, and love for all.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, sister Darlene, grandsons Dale and Michael, and his beloved wife, Lael.

He is survived by his six children: Gary (Laurice) Dorman of Tacoma, WA; Roger (Mary) Dorman of University Place, WA; George (Linda) Dorman of Pace, FL; Lisa (Cory) Brown of Lacy, WA; Cynthia (Steve) Davis of Idaho Falls, ID; and Christina (Dale) Pickering of Rexburg, ID. He also leaves behind 27 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 5420 104th St. SW, Lakewood, WA on November 3, 2025. The viewing will be at 10 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11 a.m.

Burial with full military honors will be at the New Tacoma Cemetery, where Dale will rest beside Lael, forever proud of a life well lived—a victorious journey of faith, service, and love.