Dale Wayne Mattingly, 81, of New Palestine, passed away on March 27, 2022.
He was born on January 8, 1941, in Indianapolis to Carl and Dorothy (Hall) Mattingly. He was a 1959 graduate of Scecina Memorial High School in Indianapolis. Following graduation, Dale entered the U.S. Army and proudly served for two years. After an honorable discharge, he married the love of his life, Marcia Elaine Sutton on September 26, 1964.
Dale was a very loving man; often hard to read and often misunderstood on the exterior, but very social, active, involved, and intelligent. He was fiercely independent, highly educated in all areas of discussion, was always prepared, and had a large heart that welcomed all. His love for cars always included hand-washed vehicles on the weekends, auto racing including Nascar, Formula One, IndyCar and, general car-talk. He also looked forward to the Tour De France as well. While in Florida, Dale joined the Bicycle Club for a daily 20-mile + ride and then would retreat afterwards to Panera with the Club for his daily cup of coffee and conversation at Panera. Afterwards, he could be found soaking up the sunrays at the pool. Dale also loved bowling. His additional love of politics was always prevalent. He debated with the best of them, was seldomly wrong, and never lost to statistical evidence. He was always matter-of-fact, had a plan for everything and was rarely caught off guard. He constantly conducted research on a vast array of topics, as he not only educated himself, but had a better understanding of where others were coming from. His family often referred to him as the ‘Consumer Reports of everything’.
He was often referred to as ‘Mr. Mayor’ of the neighborhood and was part of the welcoming committee and in some cases was the first to introduce himself to the prospective homeowners. He welcomed neighborly chats with all his neighbors on his daily walks and monthly get togethers. Dale would join his daughter and son-in-law and their dogs for a nightly meal and would avidly watch Wheel-of-Fortune and discuss whatever topic of current events.
Dale’s love for our country was also top of his mind and heart. Following active service in the U.S. Army, he immediately jumped into civilian life and worked at DFAS for 35 years on some pretty cool projects in the research departments. He was also a member of the New Palestine American Legion Post #182. He was a proud patriot until the end. Dale’s love, admiration, and support for his family was additionally important as he always wanted them to be happy and be the very best version of themselves. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren.
Dale is survived by his children, Denise (Charles) Snyder and Michael (Cathy) Mattingly; grandchildren: Sean, Heather, Mitchel, Emily, Allison, Max, and Marilyn; granddogs, Auggie and Beau; and siblings who affectionately referred to him as ‘Dale the Whale’, Carla Tharpe and Nadine Ripley.
He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 53 years, Marcia Elaine Mattingly; sister, Nancy Piercy; and brothers-in-law: Boyd Piercy, Jim Tharpe, and John Ripley; and beloved granddog, Beasley.
Visitation will be on Friday, April 1, 2022, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, Hendryx New Palestine Chapel, 19 East Main Street, New Palestine, with the service immediately following at 2:00 p.m. with Dale’s son-in-law, Charles Snyder officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to New Palestine American Legion, Post 182, P.O. Box 299, New Palestine, IN 46163.
If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.stillingerfamily.com
