In Memory of Dale Jones

I knew it would be coming and had braced myself for the news, but when Madeline called me to say that Dale had died the night before, the tears still welled up as I grieved the loss.

She asked me to help draft an obituary for the family to work on, and I was thankful for something tangible to do for them. As I wrote the details down that are the customary brief bullet points summarizing an inadequate smattering of who Dale was and what he accomplished, I reflected on the impact he had on my life and who he was to me personally.

Dale & Ken Wolfe

I always secretly thought of Dale as the King of Orting. I am honored to know many of the people who have cared for Orting throughout their lives here, but none can  compare with the deep passion I personally witnessed in Dale Jones.

My respect for Dale went far beyond his public service as an elected city official. It was everything he did behind the scenes that went unseen, without thanks and recognition, all for the love of his hometown.

Dale & Ken at Pumpkinfest

When I would stop and visit the Jones, Dale would sometimes greet me  with a grin, and sometimes with a growl, but always with concern, for Orting and for me.

I knew Dale was the person in Orting that I could count on when in need.When my husband hit an oil patch on I5 and wrecked his motorcycle, it was Dale who came to the rescue, trailer in tow, riding in like a knight on his stallion.

Dale was the first person who came to mind to call for help when I had problems after wandering off the trail along the Carbon River while on a bike ride and wondered if I'd need to be rescued while my husband was out of town.

Dale & Madeline at Harman's Party

I hope many people join me in honoring Dale and supporting his family at the graveside service for friends and family that will be held at the Orting Cemetery on Thursday, October 13,  at 11 AM, followed by a 1 PM memorial service at Edgewood Bible Church, 1720 Meridian Avenue East, in Edgewood.

Chief Drake and Dale

Following is the obituary published by Dale's daughter, Shelly Schlumpf.

Dale Jones was born January 1, 1940 and passed away October 7, 2011 after a lengthy illness at his family home in Orting.  The first baby born in Pierce County in 1940, Dale was nicknamed “Forty” by family and friends.  He attended Orting High School and Washington State University and was a proud Cardinal and Cougar.

Dale and his siblings were second generation Orting Cardinals and much like his parents, he dedicated most of his life to the Orting community in a variety of ways. 

He served as Orting’s mayor and a city council member and served on several city commissions.  Sports were always important to him and he enjoyed running the downs markers at OHS football games for over 20 years where his father helped to install the football field lights.  He was very active in the Orting Lions Club and a proud Orting High School alumni member.

Visiting in the park

Dale enjoyed being involved in community projects like Orting’s Bell Tower, The Gazebo, Orting Station and Fountain and hanging city Christmas lights and downtown event banners.  He helped with school projects, the Lions Community Sports Park and Orting’s Community Float which he drove in many of the annual Daffodil Parades.   He also volunteered at his church and helped with various construction projects.  

Dale was interested in all things “Orting”.  From flood control to police, fire and public works, transportation to economic development, he believed in celebrating Orting’s heritage while looking forward to smart growth and maintaining a quality of life for the city he loved.

A veteran teamster, during his career Dale owned and operated a trucking company serving four western states and currently owns an RV and mini storage business.  

Dale visiting at the Lions Club

Dale is survived by his wife of 51 years, Madeline, three daughters and their families:  Shelly Schlumpf, Janice and Kevin Sienkiewich and Tracy and Robert Odd; sister Muriel Wilkins, six grandchildren, Nick, Jennifer, Joseph, Carly, Ashley, Mitchell and two great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Jeanette Jones, brothers, Benjamin and Larry, sisters Billie Jean Zumbuhl and Diane Cope and son-in-law, David Schlumpf.

A graveside service for family and friends will be held at the Orting Cemetery on Thursday, October 13, at 11am, followed by a 1pm memorial service at Edgewood Bible Church, 1720 Meridian Avenue East, Edgewood, Washington.

Dale and Madeline Jones with city officials breaking ground for the Orting Station

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Multicare Hospice or the Heart Foundation.