Birth date: Oct 29, 1931 Death date: Apr 11, 2020
Dale LaValley passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2020, surrounded by his family. He was 88 years old. Due to the national health crisis a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Clarence Dale LaValley was born October 2 Read Obituary
Mr. LaValley was a big-time OU football fan and a longtime subscriber to Sooner Spectator magazine, for which I am editor. We spoke occasionally on the phone when he called to renew - and I always admired his unbridled passion for the Sooners! Rest in peace, sir.
Mr. LaValley was my first principal. In 1966 the law allowed up 20 students in each EMH class. I was terrified my first few months, but Mr.LaValley guided and supported me through that tough start of a career in Special Education
which continued for 44 years.
I really enjoyed the times that I was able to visit my Aunt Jo and Uncle Dale growing up. Two of my favorites! My Uncle Dale always welcomed me into his home. Homegrown tomatoes from his garden, catfish that he had caught all fried up for dinner, college basketball games on the television, teasing me for silly things just to get me to smile, funny stories about the kids at his school and he never failed to clean all of my jewelry while I was there (something that I greatly appreciated, they always looked brand new after he got a hold of them!)
When I was growing up and we visited Oklahoma in the summer, my Dad always wanted to meet up with my Uncle Dale and my Aunt Jo wherever they were camping out and it was always an adventure. Sometimes I could even go out with him on his fishing boat, which was a real treat for me. Honestly, one of my favorite things to do is camp and fish. I thank my Uncle Dale and my father for that! I only hope I did them justice with my own boys!
I would have really liked to live closer to my Aunt Jo and Uncle Dale while raising my kids because they were and are such wonderful loving people to be around. But unfortunately, it did not work out that way. My Uncle Dale was a Godly man who was a true blessing to know! My deepest sympathy for my sweet Aunt Jo, Jimmy Dale, Debbie, Kay and of course all the rest of the family and friends. I know Uncle Dale will surely be missed by all.
Someone as special as Uncle Dale will never be forgotten. He will remain in our hearts forever.
Love Katrina and family
Mr. LaValley. Just very sound of his name raised ripples of excitement throughout an entire class (or, in the instance of an assembly, an entire school), for Mr. LaValley knew every single one of us by name, he was beloved, he was respected, and he was a force to be reckoned with if you had, unfortunately for you, misbehaved. Mr. LaValley made everything in school life just and fair and right. My mother taught Kinderfarten at Bryant mid-60s through the 80s or so, and she always said that he was the best principal ever. He supported the teachers in the classrooms, and he made the work and learning environment at Bryant excellent in many ways. Looking back, I now see that he was a natural educator, leader and team builder. I will never have enough words to describe the tremendous influence he had on so many lives. Earth is definitely poorer. It has lost a good, good man. Thank you, Mr. LaValley. We just can’t thank you enough. (Kendel Roberson Hall, Braynt student 1966-1971)
What a wonderful teacher and man he was. I went to Bryant elementary from kindergarten to 6th grade. Mr LaValley was my homeroom teacher in 6th grade (1958-59) I never heard one bad thing said about him. Such a great example to so many kids. My prayers for peace and comfort to his family. RIP Mr LaValley knowing you made such a difference in so many lives🙏🙏🙏
We became friends with Dale and Jo in the late 90's. We met them through Bluegrass music when we traveled as Sweet Water. They supported us whenever possible. We had a lot in common as several in the band were educators. They even invited us in to their home and fed us fish. Yum! Dale and Jo were the sweetest people ever, and such an inspiration to others through the love they shared with one another. Most importantly, we had a bond as brothers and sisters in Christ. So we know that someday we will be able to visit once again.
Sister Jo, We love you and we pray that you will be surrounded by God's comfort.
Russell and Dawnette Sparks
MR LAVALLEY A GREAT MAN HE WAS A BIG PART OF MY YOUNG LIFE, I GOT A FEW SWATS FROM HIM HE COULD LINE YOU RIGHT UP HA HA.3RD GRADE ABOUT ABOUT 1957 OR 58 ??
MASON MORTON
Thank you for being such a great science teacher some 60 years ago. I had a good education at Bryant and I passed much of it on to my 3 kids and 2 grandchildren. So, education has a way of getting 'passed along' thru the family. I can still see you standing up there at that blackboard and pointing out the day's lessons. Much sympathy to your family.
This wonderful gentleman is one of my first childhood memories. He touched many, many lives. Condolences to the family.
