Dale Laverne Musgrave, age 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 1, 2022, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. Dale was born in Idalia, Missouri November 12, 1936, to Owen and Lucille (Dallas) Musgrave. He spent much of his childhood helping on his family's farm. As a boy, he bought his beloved first horse, 'Ribbon.' He married Louise (Warren) in 1956, and they were blessed with two children, Gary & Kim.
He honorably served in the United States Army in the early '60s, being stationed at the Panama Canal. During the General Motors boom in 1965, he relocated his family from Missouri to Waterford, Michigan, where he would make a home for 30 years.
In his free time, he loved to fish, spend time with his horses, go to car shows and plant gardens, and collect antiques. Old western movies were his favorite. Working in the auto industry, he appreciated cars and could repair anything, but his favorite car was his first, a 1934 Ford, which he bought for $36. He also found joy in his wife's piano playing, his son's baseball games, and great conversations with his daughter.
God called him to be his servant as a deacon at the New Hope General Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school and helped many families over the years.
Dale had a sweet and kind nature and a great sense of humor. People that knew him loved his personality and how funny he was with his quick wit and delivery. He was a humble man, never pretentious, and he lived his life with class and dignity.
Dale is survived by his wife Louise, daughter Kim (Jeff) Cockfield, grandsons Andy (Emily) Musgrave, Korey Kuppe, Konnor Kuppe, Nathan Musgrave, Dan Musgrave, great-grandsons Bryce and Bradley, sisters Connie (Bill) King of Davis, Illinois and Joanne Putnam of Dexter, Missouri, in-laws Ruth and Fred Applegate and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Even with the challenges of Alzheimer's, he never forgot his family.
It was a life well-lived.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Lucille, brother Clifford, sisters Faye and Jean, and his beloved son, Gary Dale. We know that our Lord Jesus completely restores his memory and body in Heaven, and he is no doubt watching baseball with Gary now.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses who cared for Dale with compassion at the Grand Traverse Pavilions nursing home.
There will be a small family gathering at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan, at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to The Wounded Warriors Project.