Roger "Dale" Hauth died June, 24, 2019 surrounded by family and friends.  In his nearly 88 years, Dale led a full and vibrant life.  Because he fully embraced life and seemingly never knew a stranger, Dale had a multitude of friends.  Dale modeled Christian love and treated all as he wanted to be treated.  In his words, he was, "a good old boy" and all who knew him agree.

Dale was born August 30, 1931 in San Bernardino, California but grew up in Willow Springs, Missouri, spending most of his life in Southwest Missouri, taking pride in being a native of the Ozarks.  He and his brothers, Wrex and Leland, led adventurous lives during their early years.  Many people have been entertained by Dale's stories of his childhood exploits.

In 1949 Dale graduated from Willow Springs High School.  Soon after his graduation, the Korean War began, and Dale decided to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force.   He took great pride in the years spent outfitting and maintaining fighter jets at Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas, Nevada.  Many pilots safely learned to fly in jets cared for by Dale and his crew.

After completing his enlistment in 1954, Dale moved to Springfield, Missouri.  He began working at Kraft Foods where he remained for 35 years, retiring in 1989.  His attention to detail earned him great respect, while his outgoing personality earned him a multitude of friends.  During this time, Dale also maintained a loving home with his first wife Myrtle in which he raised his son David.

A mutual friend, Caroline Hayes, introduced Dale to Betty Clouse in the summer of 1983.  The two immediately knew they were made for each other and were married on October 10, 1984.  For nearly 35 years they lived side by side as best friends—always in love.  Those who spent any amount of time around "Dale and Betty" gained two loyal friends.  Together they enjoyed classic cars (in particular Ford Thunderbirds), garage sales, bicycles, their yard, the Battlefield Mall, the Blue and Gold Tournament, the Tournament of Champions, travelling, the Springfield Cardinals, numerous other social and community events and most importantly time with family and friends.

Dale is survived by his best friend, "sweetie", and wife Betty; son David of Tulsa, Oklahoma; brother-in-law Charles Stone and his wife Caroline, Springfield; sister-in-law Zoe Ann of Phoenix, Arizona; two grandsons - Nathan and David Hauth of Oklahoma; a number of nieces and nephews; and friends too many to count.  Dale's father, Wrex Hauth; mother, Imogene Hauth; brothers, Wrex Jr.  and Leland; and sister-in-law Edna Stone (Clouse) preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 28, 2019, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home with Dean Tlustos officiating. Graveside services with full military honors will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Missouri Veterans Cemetery.  Flowers are appreciated as are contributions to Haven Hospice.  The family expresses immense gratitude to the staff of Haven Hospice for providing medical and spiritual assistance and guidance.