Dale Wallace Bainter

Dale Wallace Bainter, age 91, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, at the veterans home in Warrensburg, Missouri surrounded by family. Dale, the eldest of 11 siblings, was born on February 13, 1934, to Wallace and Helen Bainter of Vancouver, Washington. Dale joined the United States Navy in 1951 and served on the USS Collette during the Korean War. While on leave in the Navy, he was introduced to Marlys Webberley, whom he married on June 27, 1954. Dale's service in the Navy concluded in February of 1955. In May of the same year, Dale E. Bainter was born, with 4 other children to follow over the next seven years.

In 1962, Dale and Marlys moved their young family from their home in Vancouver, Washington to Seattle, Washington and eventually Vashon Island, Washington. There, Dale worked hard in various jobs to support his family, most notably at Zellerbach Paper Company, where he became a top salesman. He was involved in several community endeavors, particularly the Jaycees in which he served several roles, including chapter president and, at one point, Washington State Chaplain.

He had a variety of interests that he explored throughout his life. He always wanted to involve his family in those things. He enjoyed numerous outdoor adventures and took his young family on many backpacking trips and vacations. Dale loved nature, he loved his family, but most of all he loved the Lord. It was in nature that he felt closer to God. Marlys was a major milestone on his path towards the Lord, as she introduced him to the RLDS Church. Over the years, his involvement in the church grew. He was baptized in 1958. He was ordained, first as a priest, and in 1977 to the office of Elder. He and Marlys participated in countless church activities and endeavors throughout their lives.

In 1976, Dale and Marlys gathered to Independence, Missouri by direction of the Lord. There, they soon found a home to spend the remaining years of their lives together. They remained involved in the RLDS Church and they were members of South Crysler Restoration Branch for over 30 years.

At first, Dale continued to pursue a career in sales but eventually found it no longer fulfilling. This led to his decision to go back to college to pursue a B.S. degree at the University of Central Missouri. In 1995, at the age of 61, he achieved his degrees and began his new career in teaching, which he loved and remained in for the rest of his working life. Dale and Marlys were married for 67 years, upon which time, she preceded him through the gates of heaven. He was also preceded in death by his sons, Dale and Randy, and six brothers.

He is survived by three children, Dean (Karen), Julie (Gordon) Hitch, and Douglas; two sisters, two brothers; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, August 22, 2025, at South Crysler Restoration Branch, 19101 E Salisbury Rd, Independence, Missouri 64050. Memorial Service to follow at 7:00 PM. He will be buried at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made in Dale's name to Center Place Restoration School, 819 W Waldo Ave, Independence, Missouri 64050 [816-252-1715; www.cprsgoldeneagles.com]. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com.