Dale Dean Poore

Dale Poore, age 88, of McCook, NE went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 21,2020 surrounded by beloved family at Meadowlark Pointe Assisted Living in Cozad, NE.

Dale was born in McCook on May 8, 1931 to Forrest and Mildred Poore.  He married his college sweetheart, Peggy Kelly, in McCook, on March 30, 1952 and they spent nearly 68 years together.  To this union were born two sons, David Scott and Daniel Dean.

Dale grew up in McCook, graduating from McCook High School and McCook Community College in 1951.  Dale’s athletic ability and interest in sports allowed him to play football at both schools and later, Kearney State College, where he earned All Conference and All State Honors. Following graduation, Dale and Peggy were married just prior to his induction into the US Army during the Korean Conflict.  He would serve in the Transportation Division in Masan, South Korea until he was Honorably Discharged in March of 1954.

In the fall of 1954, he enrolled at Kearney State College, pursuing an educational degree at the Secondary level.  He once again was recruited to play football.  Following graduation in 1957, they would choose to move to Benkelman, NE where Dale began his career in teaching and coaching.  In the fall of 1960, they returned to Kearney where Dale received a Master’s Degree in Public School Administration.  He would make the move to Arapahoe where he would assume the role of high school principal.  Dale and Peggy made Arapahoe their home for the next 16 years. Dale was known as a compassionate teacher/coach/administrator where he would do anything for his students, including giving them his home phone number.  He encouraged his students to call him if they needed anything, day or night.  Dale cared deeply for his students.  He was still receiving messages, phone calls and birthday cards from former students at age 87.

In 1979, Dale changed professions, moving to McCook to open Lincoln Federal Saving Bank, where he worked another 21 years.  He found this change of career, likewise, most challenging and rewarding.

Dale was also highly aware of his civic responsibility and the joy of giving back.  He was asked to run for the Kearney State Alumni Association Board of Directors and he was elected to the board, serving from 1977-1980.  Another position that he revered was that of his tenure from 1986-2002 (4 terms) for service on the Mid Plains Community College Board of Directors.  He was saddened to leave the board after 16 years, feeling his work was “not done”.

Preceding Dale in death were his parents; four brothers, Wayne, Don, Bill and Rex; and two sisters, Bonnie and Marjorie.

Dale is survived by his wife, Peggy Poore of McCook; sons, David (Mary) Poore of Cozad and Dan (Anne) Poore of Omaha, NE; five grandsons, John (Athena) Poore of Omaha, Mark (Cailin) Poore of Rawlins, WY, Matthew (Brandy) Poore of Wahoo, NE, Luke (Jenny) Poore of Minden, NE and Caleb (Anna) Poore of Callaway, NE; two granddaughters, Ashley (Robbie) Kyrklund of Chandler, AZ and Amanda (Angel) Hull of Omaha; thirteen great grandchildren; sister, Mary Anne (Ron) Tardiff of Cedar Rapids, IA; four sister in laws, Mary Poore of McCook,NE, Jeanette Poore of Lincoln, NE, Edna Poore of McCook, NE and Patricia Hoehner of Kearney, NE; many beloved nieces and nephews and dear, treasured friends.

The legacy Dale leaves has impacted his family who he considered his greatest “treasure”.  He devoutly believed in the Lord Jesus Christ with his entire being, knowing full well that Heaven is a promise of peace, love and eternal life for each who believes.  “Today you shall be with Me in Paradise” Luke 23:43 and “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but will have everlasting life.” John 3:16.  Being a member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church was a “Treasured gift”.

Dale was also all about integrity and all it exemplifies.  Because of the significance of sports in his life, he drew some amazing parallels.  “In life as in sports, there are black and white rules, tempered with tolerance and love.  You are either in or out of bounds, the ball is either fair or foul.  You play hard but fair, you do your best and follow the rules and when you lose. You get up, dust yourself off, and begin again.” He also believed the measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew no one was looking.  These were “gifts” he wanted to leave his family.

Dale brought strength, dependability, laughter and happiness everywhere he went.  He always had a smile on his face and brought joy to those he met.  He most importantly radiated confidence that God would always see him through any obstacles.  Everywhere he went he made friends and impacted lives.  He will be SO MISSED.  Heaven gained an angel.