Earl "Dale" Wass

Earl “Dale” Wass, 80, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Adams Woodcrest in Decatur, Indiana.

He was born on December 9, 1943 in Monroeville, Indiana to the late Emerson and Valera (Hart) Wass. 

Dale was united in marriage to Shirley A. Smith on April 5, 1969 at East Liberty United Methodist church, and she survives.

He was a member of East Liberty Church.

Dale graduated from Decatur High School, and then went on to receive his Associate Degree in business from Fort Wayne Business College. He worked as a tool and die maker for General Electric in Fort Wayne for thirty-three years until his retirement in 1997. After he retired, he drove a semi-truck for Schneider Trucking and Reinhart Excavating. He also drove a dump truck. 

Dale loved to drive his golf cart, and could be seen driving it every day to McDonald’s to meet his friends for coffee and conversation. He was a very accomplished carpenter. Shirley would draw up ideas and Dale would make them come to life. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley A. Wass Decatur, Indiana; son, Allen (Tina) Wass of Decatur, Indiana; son, Michael (Anita) Wass of Goshen, Indiana; daughter, Paula (Bradley) Girod of Decatur, Indiana; sister, Jane Busick of Woodburn, Indiana; sister, Jean Ternet of Monroeville, Indiana; sister, Loretta (Jim) Waymire of Florida, brother, Dean (Cindy) Wass of Monroeville, Indiana; brother, Duane (Kathy) Wass of Indianapolis, Indiana; brother, Steve Wass of Monroeville, Indiana; eleven grandchildren, Hollie Till, Brandon Wass, Jacob Girod, Brittany Long, Dee Girod, Chantel Budreau, Thomas Girod, Isaac Girod, Timothy Girod, Breanna Wass, and Aidan Wass; and twelve great-grandchildren.

Dale was preceded in death by his infant brother at birth, Roy Wass; brother, Dee Brian Wass; three sisters, Sheryl Wass, Louise (Jerry) Hammond, and Shirley (Keith) Frey; two brother-in-laws, Leo Busick and Larry Ternet; and one great-granddaughter, Ramsey Kay Wass.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024 at East Liberty Church, with Rev. Ralph Klinker, Rev. Harold Klinker, and Rev. Karen Garner officiating. Burial will follow in Decatur Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Preferred memorials can be given to East Liberty Church.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana