Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, Dale Orville Longenecker, Sr. was born on February 17, 1930. His well-lived life of 90 years came to an end on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at StoneRidge w/Hospice. Dale’s wife, Louise (Bleistine), passed March 5, 2003.

Born to the late Earl and Emma (Meyer) Longenecker, he outlived his older siblings and their spouses: Malcolm (Kitty), Earl (Mary Jane), Bruce, and Grace (Vincent). He will be greatly missed by his sister-in-law Ann, children Dan (Lynn), Anita (Rick), Vicki (Tom) and Dale, Jr. (Melanie), grandchildren Jason (Petrice), Kate, Melissa (Bryan), Jenn (Brandon), Ryan (Kourtnie), Dale III and Lucas (Angela), the many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Louise’s children, Jess (Harry) and Bill, and her grandchildren Zoe, Zara, Zeah, Shyla, Malachi, and William also survive him.

Growing up in Annville, PA during the Depression, Dale had fond memories of helping on his uncle’s farm and hunting for rabbits for his mother’s stew. Varied jobs as a young boy and man gave Dale many talents that he used throughout his life. He was employed by Bell Telephone for over 30 years and upon retirement founded First Call Telephone Service. He loved to travel, sit on the beach and read, grow grapes and make wine, enjoyed painting for the family, woodworking for Louise’s crafts, canning peaches and red beets for a winter treat, and Jack Daniels was one of his best friends. His children have favorite memories of his tending to the vegetable garden and cherry trees, building the world’s best duck house, taking them to the drive-in movies, and begging him to take them to Dairy Queen after he mowed the grass. He won a First Place ribbon at the South Lebanon Fair for the biggest red beet. He was the Elks Exalted Ruler from 1994-1995 and served our country in the Army during the Korean War.

Thank you to the staff at the Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital, StoneRidge, and Wellspan Hospice whose care of Dale was much appreciated.

In honor of Dale’s wishes, there will be no public viewing. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. in Lebanon, PA will serve the family with their private viewing and military service at Indiantown Gap on Friday, September 11, 2020.

The Lebanon Rescue Mission and Salvation Army would greatly appreciate a donation in his honor, in lieu of flowers. Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com