Dale R. Winters, 79, of Rockville, MD passed away peacefully the morning of May 3, 2025. Mary Ellen, his wife of 31 years, was by his side.

Dale was born August 26, 1945, in Sanford, FL. He was the son of the late Harold and Bonnie Jean (Ball) Winters, and grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. A 1964 graduate of Hattiesburg High School, he also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Southern Mississippi.

In 1965, Dale enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was an aircraft warning and control operator in Berlin (Germany) during the Vietnam War. A proud veteran with immense patriotism, he honorably served his country until his discharge in 1969.

In 1972, Dale began his 39 year career with Delta Air Lines. He held various positions with Delta, working the ramp in New Orleans, reservations in Jackson, MS, a transfer to Washington, DC/Rockville, MD reservations. He was the resident artist for Delta's Marketing office. His final years were spent at Delta Air Lines Government Affairs in Washington, DC. In Rockville, he met and married his wife, Mary Ellen, also a Delta employee. The first time he saw Mary Ellen, he said, "I am going to marry that girl." They were married on November 5, 1993, purchased a home, and spent 31 happy years together.

Dale was a member of the American Legion. He was a talented watercolor artist and also enjoyed drawing with pencil. He enjoyed completing home projects and did a beautiful remodeling on the kitchen of their 1932 Rockville Home. He surrounded himself with books, loved history, gardening, and collecting recipes. He was the "taste tester in chief" for Mary Ellen's cookies and baked goods – his favorites being oatmeal raisin cookies and banana bread.

Dale had a deep love and respect for all life. He enjoyed backyard nature. The birds, rabbits, and chipmunks all had names and loved their daily treats. He also spent cherished time with his beloved dog, Banjo.

His wife, Mary Ellen, survives at home.

Dale is also survived by his daughter, Lauren Jean Hoffman, and her husband, Bill Hoffman, and a granddaughter, Miriam Hoffman, all of Shubuta, MS. He so loved and was so proud of his daughter, Lauren, and so thankful for her wonderful husband, Bill, and precious Mimi.

He held a special place in his heart for his sister-in-law, Diane. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by his two brothers, Lane and Clayton Winters.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his memory to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, online at T2T.org. This was Dale's favorite charity. He always believed that the founder, Frank Siller, should receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.

In keeping with his wishes, the family will hold all services privately. Full military honors will be conducted by the New Castle Area Honor Guard.

Interment will follow in Madonna Cemetery, New Castle, PA.