John “Dale” Nebeker passed away in Casa Grande Ariz., on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021 with his daughter Debra by his side.
Dale was born in Baker, Oregon on Nov. 8, 1939 to Merna and Edwin Nebeker. Dale was raised in Baker and attended Baker High School, just before graduating with the class of 1957 he joined the Navy. Upon returning from the service, he married Bertha Mae Moore and they had five children.
Dale had many interests. He joined the Jaycees in his younger years and performed in melodramas as the hero. He enjoyed sharing a joke with his friends and his grandchildren have found memories taking trips with him singing to the radio as they traveled.
Dale’s career span varied from being a barber to law enforcement as police officer and then a parole and probation officer. One of his greatest career achievements was capturing three escaped convicts from the Utah State prison by himself while working for the Burley, Idaho, city police department. However, Dale stated his true enjoyment was barbering because he enjoyed working around people.
Dale divorced later in life and was remarried to Daralee Long. They made their home in Springfield. Dale went to work for the State of Oregon as a Parole and Probation Officer first in the Springfield office and later in the Eugene Office. He did take a manager role in the Springfield office before returning the role of a parole officer. His was forced into early retirement because of sustaining a back injury on the shooting range in 1999.
After retirement Dale and Daralee shared many adventures through the years traveling in their motorhome. They would make Baker City, Ore., their summer home and Casa Grande, Ariz., their winter home. They would also enjoyed taking cruises to Hawaii and Mexico.
Tragically 41 days after Dale passed away, Dale’s one and only son Shawn Dale Nebeker passed away on Dec. 28, 2021 from COVID-19 complications.
Dale is survived by his children: Lynda Reynolds of La Pine; Debra James, Casa Grande, Ariz.; Shauna Phillips of Peoria, Ariz.; Merna Bennett of Caldwell, ID. a brother Bryson DeVear Nebeker of Leewood, Kan.; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in his by his parents Merna and Edwin Nebeker, his sisters, Betty Nebeker and Lee Montoya and his granddaughter Jennifer Edison.
A graveside funeral will be held on May 14 at 11 a.m. in Veterans area of Mt. Hope Cemetery in Baker City, Ore.
