Father's Day approaches....

It's agonizing to talk in the past tense about a person who knew me through and through, nurturing and supporting all my dreams throughout my entire life. I'm trying to focus on being grateful to have had so many years with Dad, instead of being confounded by the thought of the rest of my life without him.

A Fitting Farewell

Beautiful Beautiful Day

With a clear blue sky and a cool Fall day in South Texas, 100+ friends and family members gathered to plant two large red oak trees. Trees that symbolized independence, protection, bravery, strength, endurance and continuity. Qualities and traits that define Dale's life. Soil from around the USA brought by guests was lovingly added to the planting sites. Blessings were given and then it was done.

Trees planted in honor of the memory of Dale Stover.

PS. And Dad, it wasn't sad or tearful! Just like you wanted it. :)

The Red Oaks are Here!

Mom shows off the Red Oak trees that will be planted on Sunday at Dale's Celebration!
Can't wait to see everyone this weekend and celebrate my Dad.

Dale's Final Resting Place

In accordance with Dale's wishes and with the final approval of Royal Caribbean cruise lines, Dale's remains will be "Buried at Sea" at a ceremony held during the Jan. 24, 2010 sailing of the Voyager of the Seas out of Galveston, TX.

This cruise had been planned month's ago to celebrate my 50th birthday. We will add this ceremony to our itinerary.

Dale is surely smiling today....his ultimate wish...fulfilled!

Those interested in joining us, should contact our Travel Agent and friend, Kay Sanderford at kay.sanderford@americasvacationcenter.com or 800-374-8108.

Please join Dale Stover’s family as they honor
his memory and celebrate his life at a
Tree Planting Ceremony
November 1, 2009 at 4:00 pm.
Services held on the grounds of the historic
Hiller House
3003 N. Vine
Victoria, Texas 77901

You are invited to participate in the service. Please bring a small
packet of soil from your own garden to help nourish Dale’s trees.
Trees will be tended by the Keep Victoria Beautiful project.

Reception to follow:
First United Methodist Church
407 N. Bridge Street
Victoria, Texas 77901

Richard Dale Stover, 80, of Victoria, passed away on Oct. 7, 2009. He was born Sept. 1, 1929 in Chickasha, Okla. to the late Clara and Asa Cox. He was a member of FUMC Victoria. He was a member of Point Comfort UMC for 44 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, served on the Point Comfort City Council for many years, and often assisted Keep Point Comfort Beautiful. He served as a master sergeant in the Korean War from 1951-1953, where he received a Bronze Star. He worked at Alcoa for 37 years. Dale's hobbies included fishing, gardening, cruising the Caribbean, and attending family reunions. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Dale is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jacqulyn Stover; daughter, Marzetta Gaskamp and her husband Ted of Phoenix, Phyllis Boedeker and her husband Dennis of Pearland, Melissa Gaubatz and her husband Maurice of Colorado Springs; grandchildren, Michael Gaskamp and his wife Rachel, Lauren Wallberg and her husband Bill, Shelley Whistler and her husband Stephen, Emily Boedeker, Naish Gaubatz, Elise Gaubatz, and Julia Gaubatz; great-grandson, James Richard Gaskamp; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Willard Stover, Pauline Cleveland, Charlene Robertson, Minnie Loftin, and Jackie Malone.

The celebration of Dale's life will take place on Nov. 1, 2009. The celebration and tree planting will be held in the gardens of Keep Victoria Beautiful's Hiller House. (3003 N. Vine, Victoria, TX) . Times TBA.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to The Stover Memorial @ Keep Victoria Beautiful, 3003 N. Vine, Victoria, Texas 77901, or the charity of choice.

Celebration of Life

The Celebration of Dale's Life will be held on Nov. 1, 2009 on the grounds of the Hiller House (3003 N. Vine, Victoria, TX). http://www.keepvictoriabeautiful.com/

Please check back for more details as they are made.