Dale Read

Dale Read, known affectionately as “PA” “graduated to glory” on June 1, 2024, in his hometown of Levelland, Texas. Dale’s early years were shared with his siblings, Jeanette, Doris, Norma, Margaret, and Don, creating a tapestry of memories filled with laughter and love.

He was born on July 27, 1936, to Homer Dixon and Lura Read.  Dale grew up in Whiteface, TX., graduating from Whiteface High School. He was the first in his family to attend college, earning a football scholarship to Ranger Jr. College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern New Mexico University, while playing football on scholarship. Dale earned a Master of Science degree from Texas Tech University, and an Educational Specialist degree from Eastern New Mexico. He served on the Texas State Accreditation Team, renewing the accreditation status of schools across Texas for 13 years.

Dale began his education career at Corpus Christi as a coach and a teacher. In 1960, he returned to his alma mater as a math teacher and coach at Whiteface ISD. In 1970, he moved his family to Sudan to serve as High School Principal for four years.  Dale then moved to O’Donnell in 1974, where he was employed as superintendent for 32 years. He came out of retirement filling the role as interim Superintendent at Seagraves ISD for several months. Dale touched the lives of many students, be it in the classroom, on the football field, the gym court, or as an encouraging mentor. Dale was a longtime member of TASA, served on the board of South Plains Community Action, and was a deacon at Trinity Church serving in hospital ministry.

Dale met a cute little car hop wearing turquoise squaw boots at the Dairy Mart in Levelland, Texas in 1956.  Jenny Lind Ellison became the love of his life, and they married on October 26, 1957, in Seymour, TX. Dale and Jenny were active members of Trinity Church and the Prime Timers Sunday School class for many years until Dale’s health began to decline.

Dale loved his family unconditionally and was a dedicated prayer warrior. He was always the dad that everyone turned to for direction and wisdom. He leaves behind a legacy of a man who played one of the most pivotal roles in our lives. His love and wisdom were not just restricted to his family. He guided countless athletes and students over many years. As his health began to wane, many of his former students reached out to express their gratitude for his guidance.‍

His memory will be forever held in the hearts of his surviving family: his wife, Jenny, his three children: Sherri (Terry) Kinard, Mike (Traci) Read, and Lynda (Tommy) Knight, all of Lubbock. Dale was blessed with seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, and one brother.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to family members, Sue Edwards and Frank and Nancy Swain for their help over the last year. A heart-felt thank you is also extended to Mary Acevedo, Johnny Castillo, Sharae Madewell, Hospice of Lubbock, and the special neighbors on Bowie Lane. ‍

The family suggests memorials to your favorite charity.

The family of Dale Read, will host a gathering of family and friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 05, 2024, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. A service to celebrate his life of 87 years is scheduled at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers, followed by a graveside service at City of Levelland Cemetery. He died on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Please visit www.memorialdesigners.net for a service broadcasting schedule, floral purchasing, and an area to share stories of Dale with his family.

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