04/20/2026
Jeffrey Lloyd Dale, age 63, of Chanute, Kansas, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026, at his home.
Jeff was born on November 4, 1962, in Lisbon, North Dakota, to Lloyd and Dorothy (Ballantyne) Dale. He spent much of his youth watching his father repair watches and clocks at the family jewelry store. As a teenager, Jeff began working alongside his dad, assisting with clock repairs throughout high school, an early sign of his strong work ethic.
Jeff graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Geology and went on to dedicate 40 years of his life to the oil and gas industry. He was an active and respected member of T.O.R.P. and Kansas Strong, where he served as Chairman of the Board. He was also deeply involved with Eastern Kansas Oil and Gas Association (EKOGA), serving as President and Board Member. Jeff was especially proud that his son, Christopher, had recently been appointed President of EKOGA, continuing the family legacy in the oil business.
Jeff travelled to Chanute in 1986 to drill ten oil wells, a project not expected to take more than 6 months, proved far more enduring. Shortly after arriving, a routine oil change at the Chrysler dealership led to a chance encounter with the receptionist, Terri, whom he decided he wanted to know better. He got more than he bargained for and fell not only for Terri, but also for her two children from a previous marriage, whom he loved deeply and proudly became a devoted bonus dad too.
On October 19, 1991, Jeff married Terri Orr, and together they shared 34 years of marriage, making their home in Chanute. Their family grew with the birth of their son, Christopher Dale, on September 17, 1993, completing a family of five.
When oil prices were low, Jeff took on additional work as a consultant for several prominent oil companies. Known as an incredibly hard worker, Jeff was lovingly teased by his family for working seven days a week, rain or shine. He never complained and always insisted that the glass was half full. As a generous and fair boss, his employees often became family.
Spring planting and fall harvest were often spent traveling back to North Dakota to help his brother-in-law on the farm, where Jeff could be found driving a tractor while listening to 80s rock and roll on 8-tracks, knowing every song and artist by heart. He also cherished time at Lake Lizzie in Minnesota, where he enjoyed pontoon rides, grilling whenever dinner time arrived, and teaching his kids and nephews the finer points of pull-tabs at local pubs. Jeff loved teasing his nephews, Mike and Lloyd, and had a gift for giving everyone nicknames. Quick-witted and ornery in the best way, his humor was unmistakable.
Jeff was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisbon, ND.
In December 2023, Jeff was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He fought a long and courageous battle, continuing to drive out to Verde daily and never once complaining.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Terri, of the home; his sons, Christopher Dale of Chanute, Deshon Orr of Wichita, and daughter Taverli (Jason) Koch of Emporia; and his four grandchildren: Taylen (14), Avery (12), Parker (11), and Carter (6). He is also survived by his sisters, Sus (Bob) Hegle, with nephews Lloyd and Mike; and Stacey (Jason) Dahl, with nieces Emily, Sarah, and Allie.
A visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 5 PM until 7 PM at Wickham Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 500 N. Forest, Chanute, Kansas. Celebration of Life Funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 10:30 AM at the Good News Center in Chanute.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Oil Museum in El Dorado, Kansas and they may be left or mailed to the funeral home.
Jeff will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
