Dale Franklin Burnett, 97, of Sweet Home, passed away on November 27, 2024. He was born on October 2, 1927, in Lebanon to William “Lester” and Loletta Barr Burnett. He was raised on the family farm with his sisters Lois, Meredith, and Sharon. 

Dale graduated from Sweet Home Union High School in 1946 and then joined the Army, serving much of his two years in Japan. After returning, he worked at Willamette Industries (1948-1987). His real passion was farming. He was a cattleman, and he could always be found working cows, mending fences, and riding his 4-wheeler. 

Dale married twice. He married Billie May Pace in 1948, divorcing in 1962. They had three children: Karen Elaine Thompson (Caldwell, ID), Gloria Dawn Burnett (Medford, OR), and Roger Dale Burnett (Sweet Home, OR). In 1964, Dale met the love of his life, Cathy Ann Lais, while square dancing. They married in 1965 and spent 60 beautiful years together. They have one daughter, Lori Jo Tuter (Sweet Home, OR). 

Dale and Cathy travelled the world, visiting Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Panama Canal, Alaska, and Canada. They were snowbirds, flying south to Arizona to golf and spend time with friends in the sun. More than anything, they loved the Oregon coast, owning a home that Dale built in Seal Rock for 30+ years, and then a timeshare in Depoe Bay. Wherever they were, Dale cherished every moment he got to spend with his sweetheart. 

Sports were always important to Dale. He lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track, and he had the same reserved seats for the Husky football games for 50 years. He was often seen at baseball, volleyball, and basketball games cheering on the kids. Go Huskies! He loved golfing, and he belonged to a bowling league; his high game was 288! Dale loved playing cards and Bunko with friends. His laughter was contagious and will be remembered by all who knew him.

Dale has 9 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Loletta Burnett, his sisters, Meredith Yarborough and Lois Gray, and granddaughter, Shawna Robb. His younger sister, Sharon Care, lives in Spokane, WA.

You are invited to Dale’s Celebration of Life on Sunday, December 8 at the Sweet Home Community Chapel at 1:00pm at 42250 Ames Creek Rd in Sweet Home. The reception will follow at the Elks from 2:00-4:00 at 440 Osage St. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.