Dale Galen McAlary was born a twin October 21st, 1927 in Clifton Colorado to William and Nina McAlary and departed this life May 13th, 2008 at the age of 80 years, 6 months, and 13 days. Dale's parents, two brothers and one sister returned to the Vici area in 1942. The family worked their farm two miles north of Vici and Dale entered the Vici school system where he was an all around student who excelled in both academics and sports. As a high school student, he enjoyed playing football, wrestling, boxing, and track. He represented Vici High School as a qualifier at State in boxing and track. Dale was employed by the high school as a student and drove a bus route each day. When Dale graduated in 1946, he was a class officer and Class Valedictorian.

On July 27th, 1946, Dale was united in marriage to Alta Pearl Kygar. They made their home in Vici and Pearl completed her Senior high school year. Dale continued with his three jobs—driving the school bus, working at the Vici Co-Op and wrangling on the 7K Ranch. As Dale and Pearl both loved Rodeos and horses, this marriage would be filled with wonderful adventures, travel and challenges. The arrival of three daughters, Judy in 1948, Billie in 1950 and Sandra in 1955 slightly shifted their journey down their trail of dreams.

Millwright construction was the primary source of the family's income. Dale first worked on the expansion project for the Vici Co-Op at the age of sixteen and his natural engineering talents flourished. Although self taught , his skill and work ethic became common knowledge. He was foreman and construction superintendent for major grain elevator companies throughout Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Iowa, Kentucky and Colorado. Dale and Pearl's daughters' education was a priority and the decision was made to move the family back to Vici in the late 50's. They purchased a home one mile north of town exactly where their house sits today. Dale continued servicing grain elevators, feed mills, cattle feedlots, and working general construction. The Vici area is filled with examples of his building talent and skill.

Dale's love of horse spanned seventy one years. Starting at the age of nine, he began working mules in the alfalfa fields. He earned extra money breaking colts as a teenager and his gentle hands created a natural bond that produced success—a true horseman was born. Dale shared this love with Pearl and his girls. Their home reflected many of their travels and accomplishments. Dale's favorite horse was Miss Red Rock affectionately called "grandma" due to the numerous years and trips to the winners circle.

Dale believed that the way to learn was by doing and he shared all of his skills with his family and a multitude of young people. His honesty, strength, persistence, thoughtfulness, and love for his fellow man defined Dale. A believer in service, he chose to participate in his life's loves: Horses, rodeo, and community. Between the business of making a living and home life was countless hours of school activities, horse shows, and rodeos. Dale was a charter member of the Vici Rodeo Club in 1942 and served as the President or Officer for sixty four years. He was a member and officer in the Vici Jaycees, the Oklahoma Appaloosa Horse Club, the Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association, and the Cowboy Storytellers Association of the Western Plains. Dale served as Rodeo judge, National Oklahoma High School Rodeo Director and the National Cutting Horse Association Livestock Wrangler. Dale was honored in 1996 to be inducted into the Dewey County Hall of Fame. His response to that honor, "A woman shapes every man's success."

Dale McAlary became the son of God on March 20th, 1980 on the first day of spring.
Dale is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Denver and Gale and sister, Ruth. He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty two years, Pearl of Vici, daughter Judy and son in law, Doug Donley of Vinita, Oklahoma, daughter Billie and son in law Fred Williams of Warner, Oklahoma, and daughter Sandra and son in law Bryan Elliott of Arnett, Oklahoma. Surviving grandchildren include: Alicia and Larry Waterman and children Ashley and Scott of FlowerMound, Texas, Tey Donley and child, Drew of Tulsa, Van and Amie Donley and child, Lelia of Afton, Oklahoma, KaCee and Jana Williams and children, Kade and Jacee of Haskell, Oklahoma, Rory Elliott of San Marcos, TX and Josey Elliott of Bloomington, IN. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends along with special "son" Donald Rohrer and wife Annie, are left to cherish his memory.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. at the Jearld Shaw Auditorium with burial following at Vassar Cemetery west of Vici, Oklahoma. Condolences may be made at shawfuneralhome.net.