Dale Bearden

Although those who loved him would agree that Dale Forrest Bearden was pretty close to perfect, he was, like all of us, a flawed human being - but his flaws were made right by grace through faith in his Lord, Jesus Christ. Born in Cedar Hill, New Mexico in 1940, he remained a Four Corners boy throughout his lifetime, passionately connected to the region no matter where life took him. Raised in Bloomfield, a proud graduate of Aztec High School, and charter member of First Baptist Church Bloomfield, Dale was a man characterized by a deep sense of honor and quiet dignity.

He was the oldest of four children born to Forrest and Ella Bearden and was always a protective big brother to his sisters Mary and Marjorie and his brother Richard. After high school and three years at Western New Mexico University, he joined the Navy, which only solidified his deep and abiding sense of patriotism. He served as an Avionics Electronics Technician (ATR2) at Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine. While on leave, Dale came back to New Mexico and began courting local girl Nancy Turner, and they wed in 1965. Dale returned to school at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, completing a Master's degree in Engineering, which led to a long career in the oil and gas industry. His job in the Navy and career as an engineer both perfectly suited his keen and precise mathematical mind. Dale and Nancy had two children, Debra (Ward) and Robert. He was a proud grandpa to his six grandchildren: Debra and her husband Dave's children Joel, Faith, Eliana; and Robert and his wife Lisa's children Megan, Hailey, and Andrew.

Dale and Nancy returned home to San Juan County in 1997, settling down and getting involved. A generous and community-minded man, throughout his lifetime he contributed to the greater good by reading to the blind, regularly donating blood, and actively volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America and San Juan County Emergency Management. There was no better example of his lifetime of selfless service than his dedicated care of his wife Nancy during her long illness.

Dale was also endlessly fascinated by the intricacy of God's creation. He loved observing the weather, learning about New Mexico's geology, and being outdoors. He also loved capturing the beauty of creation through photography. He purchased his first camera at the Navy Exchange in Brunswick, Maine and spent the rest of his life developing that hobby. He was an active member of the Four Corners Photographic Society and especially enjoyed mentoring new photographers.

Dale's sense of humor was so dry and droll that it provided the rest of us a sense of satisfaction when we recognized it and provided him a twinkle in the eye and sly chuckle when we didn't. If you had the pleasure of knowing him, you know how true this statement is.

After a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease, Dale passed away peacefully in his sleep on Independence Day, a fitting farewell for a man who loved his country but longed for his eternal home. If you would like to make a donation in Dale's memory, please consider The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at: www.michaeljfox.org

Services for Dale Bearden will be held at First Baptist Church Bloomfield at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2024.