Dale Grant Searle April 6, 1938 - July 28, 2026

Dale Grant Searle, beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, in Provo, Utah Valley Hospital, at the age of 88.

Dale was born on April 6, 1938, in Ogden, Utah, to Orville Grant Searle and Bertha Cottam Searle. His early years were spent in Lemon Valley, Nevada with his mother, and stepfather Bill, then later moved to Roy, Utah with his Father and stepmother Twyla. He often reminisced about his childhood in Nevada, where he loved riding horses, participating in local parades, camping, hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. One of Dale’s cherished childhood memories was when his family was recognized as the “Best Horseback Riding Family” in the local rodeo parade

Dale served his country in the United States Army for six years as a Military Policeman, stationed in Germany. He loved being an MP. Dale met his first wife, Ria Vanderpool, during his military service and they had three children together: Mark, Dale Jr., and Sharon. Dale was honorably discharged shortly before the beginning of the Vietnam War. When Dale returned to the United States, he pursued a career in law enforcement, but when opportunities were not available, he found a fulfilling career as a background investigator and property insurance/inventory inspector with Equifax. The discipline, integrity, and attention to detail he developed during his military service became valuable qualities that served him well throughout his professional career and all aspects of his life.

Dale’s second marriage was to Linda Rizzo, and together they welcomed their beloved daughter, Jill. During this time, Dale renewed his commitment to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As their lives took different directions, their marriage ended in divorce.

Dale met Susan Bushman at a single adult dance, and they quickly became close friends. Their friendship blossomed into a deep and lasting love, strengthened by their shared testimonies of the Lord Jesus Christ. On August 15, 1974, Dale married the love of his life, Susan, in Lemmon Valley, Nevada. He lovingly embraced Susan’s children, Norman, Michelle, and Natalie, as his own. Together, Dale and Susan were blessed with three additional children: Paul, Joanna, and Debbie.

Together, Dale and Susan built a loving home centered on faith, family, discipline, and service. Susan’s parents, Ina and Vaughn, along with the extended Bushman family, welcomed Dale and his children with warmth and love, giving him a deep sense that he and his family had found where they truly belonged. In 1979, following a spiritual prompting, Dale and Susan moved their family from Sparks, Nevada, to Spanish Fork, Utah, to be closer to Susan’s family. There, they purchased a new, modest but lovely red brick house that became the heart of their family life, a place where they raised their children, welcomed and loved their grandchildren, and created countless cherished memories. That home remained a special place for Dale and Susan and was where Dale lived for the remainder of his life.

Dale and Susan shared 51 wonderful years of marriage, a lifelong partnership marked by love, devotion, unwavering faith, and countless treasured memories.

Some of Dale’s happiest memories were made outdoors, camping in the mountains with family and friends. He especially enjoyed the annual hunting trips he shared with his sons, grandsons, and friends, creating memories that will be treasured for generations. His family and friends will deeply miss his friendly teasing, quick wit, and good-natured humor shared around the campfire.

Dale had a deep and abiding testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, and the Plan of Salvation. He served faithfully in bishoprics in his home ward and later in a BYU student ward, where he especially enjoyed working with and serving young adults. Many admired his rich, distinctive voice, which made him a beloved narrator for numerous Christmas and Easter programs. He was blessed with amazing neighbors whose service, love, and kindness toward him and his family over the years will never be forgotten. Dale formed many close friendships through ministering to others, fulfilling church callings, and faithfully carrying out his priesthood duties.

Dale had many interests and hobbies that brought him joy throughout his life. He loved his sports cars, attending car shows, playing racquetball, watching westerns, cheering for BYU sports, following Fox News, and reading Louis L’Amour novels. He had a special talent for memorizing poems and limericks, which he would often recite from memory, bringing laughter and enjoyment to everyone around him. He enjoyed collecting mugs and firearms—particularly Colt revolvers and Henry rifles—and was an avid reader of Consumer Reports magazine.

Dale is survived by his devoted wife, Susan Bushman Searle; his children, Mark (Janae) Searle, Dale (Kim) Searle Jr., Jill (Steve) Gill, Norman (Lori) Cahoon Jr., Natalie (Dean) Riddle, Paul (Jules) Searle, Joanna (Mike) Ballard, and Debbie (Dan) Melander; his five sisters, Norma Miller, Jerri Ravenberg (Earl), Kaye Bertagnolli, (Ben), Jill Jensen, and Melody Anderson; 25 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; along with many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orval Grant Searle and Bertha Cottam Searle; his daughters, Sharon and Michelle; and his grandson, Clark Searle.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 870 East Canyon Road, Spanish Fork, Utah.

A viewing will be held Wednesday evening, August 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah. An additional viewing will be held Thursday morning from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral service.

Interment with military honors will follow at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love, prayers, and support during this time. Dale’s legacy of faith, integrity, love of family, service, humor, and steadfast devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ will continue to bless the lives of those who knew and loved him.