Dale L. Yule, a man whose wonderful smile and heartwarming laugh could light up any room, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 9, 2026, in Kennewick, Washington. He was 84 years old.

Born on August 2, 1941, in Yakima, Washington, to Walter E. Yule and Etta Pope, Dale grew up with an unmistakable drive and dedication to everything he pursued. He attended Selah High School, where he lettered in both football and basketball for the Vikings and graduated in 1959. Even before earning his diploma, Dale had already made his mark as the drummer for the first rock and roll band out of Selah in the late 1950s, a hint of the music talent that would follow him throughout his life.

Immediately after high school, Dale enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1959 to 1963. He played football and basketball for the Marines while also participating in Special Forces operations during the early stages of the Vietnam War. His bravery and service earned him multiple commendations, including two Purple Hearts. Following his military service, Dale became a member of the Short Summer Singers, a folk group modeled after the New Christy Minstrels and led by Randy Sparks. He regularly performed on the television show “Hootenanny” as part of the group.

Dale married his first wife, Maureen Herried, and together they had two children, Gary and Kristi. He graduated second in his class from the Washington State Patrol Academy in 1966 and served as a state patrol officer for three years. Ever restless and ambitious, Dale went on to own a tavern in Ridgefield, Washington, before purchasing Knob Hill Glass and Mirror in Yakima, which was unfortunately lost in a fire in 1978. He then relocated to Richland, Washington, where he built a career as a nuclear security guard for the Washington Public Power Supply System, rising to the rank of Security Lieutenant. It was there he met the love of his life, Betsy Cushing, and they married in 1982.

After retiring in his late fifties, Dale and Betsy spent their years doing what they loved most, fishing and traveling together. Dale was a proud Washington Huskies football fan, a gifted guitar player with an excellent singing voice, and an active member and leader in the VFW.

Dale was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betsy; his parents, Walter and Etta; his brothers Don, Robert, and Bill Yule; and his sister Beverly Rothwell. He is survived by his son, Gary L. Yule; his daughters, Kristi L Yule and Melissa Williams; his brother, Claude Yule; a grandson, Jared; and two granddaughters, Emily and Rebecca.

The family would like to thank Melissa and Richard Williams for their tireless efforts in supporting Dale through the most difficult situations imaginable. Thank you.

Services, with full military honors, will be held at Mueller’s Funeral Home, 1401 S. Union Street, in Kennewick, Washington on August 7th at 11:00 am; with a reception to follow.