Candler, NC - Orphas "Dale" Rusk passed away peacefully in Asheville, NC, January 15, 2026, just shy of his 93rd birthday. Though he was born in Hominy, OK, he spent his entire childhood in Claremore. He was fond of telling stories of his childhood, such as when his grandfather threw cow manure on the roof to prove to Dale that Santa and his reindeer were real.

He graduated from University of Oklahoma from the School of Pharmacy, then went on to acquire degrees in Nuclear Pharmacy and Chemistry and served in the Air Force. From Oklahoma, he traveled throughout the US and settled in Asheville, NC, with his dear wife Betty whom he met in Richmond, VA. He worked as Head Pharmacist at the Charles George VA Medical Center until retirement.

Aside from being a life-long fan of Claremore's own Will Rogers and Patty Paige, Dale had other interests which included photography, ham radio, and an extensive library. He was a life-long learner with an insatiable curiosity. His legacy, along with Betty's, was to lend a helping hand to those who needed it. Some people collect items; Dale collected memories and treasured his many friends and times they spent together.

He is survived by his great-nephew, Stephen Grady Upshaw, of Claremore.

Dale will be laid to rest, next to Betty, at Oakwood Cemetery, Richmond, VA.