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Obituary for LCDR Dale S Betz
Dale St John Betz – February 13, 1930 – October 3, 2024
LCDR Dale S Betz, Tallahassee, passed away on October 3, 2024. Dale was born, February 13, 1930, in Vestal New York, but lived throughout the east coast of the United States traveling from base to base or ship to ship, as he progressed in his military career. He lived in Tallahassee for the past 22 years.
Dale is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 72+ years, Betty, his mother and father, Royal and Leola Betz, two sisters, Helen and Lucille and a brother, Ronald Betz.
Dale served his country in the US Navy for 27 years. He saw action in the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts and always stood proudly for the Flag and the National Anthem. Dale received many medals and commendations, including, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation with Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation with Gallantry Cross, Navy Commendation Medal, and many others. He served on numerous ships, including USS Gilmore, USS Franklin D Roosevelt, USS Opportune and USS Krishna (in Vietnam). His last tour of duty was in Great Lakes, IL as head of the Engineering School. He was a task master to those he sought to influence and a gentle giant to those who truly knew him!
After retirement, he and Betty enjoyed traveling in their 5th Wheel, throughout the US. They had the privilege and honor of visiting every state in the union. This was a happy time and brought him much joy, happiness, and satisfaction.
Dale was also a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge in Key West, FL and after retirement, became involved in the Scottish Rite and Shrine and was very active in the Morocco Temple in Jacksonville. He was also very involved in the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Jacksonville, where he served in many positions, including commander for several years.
After moving from Jacksonville to Tallahassee, he enjoyed the community, hunting, camping, and family. Recent special memories for Dale include the get togethers of his Vietnam shipmates from the USS Krishna. They would get together annually and reminisce the memories of their Vietnam time and service. Another special event that profoundly impacted him was his trip with the Tallahassee Honor Flight in 2017 to Washington DC. The trip was not just a visit to our nation’s capital (which he had visited on many occasions), but a cathartic revisit of a time that did not welcome its military hero’s home. The Honor Flight was an opportunity to thank those veterans who served our country and honor their service. He found a great sense of peace after this trip! Home of the Free, Because of the Brave!
He is survived by daughter, Judy Housel, Titusville; son John Betz (Debbie), Jacksonville, and daughter Anice Prosser (Dan), Tallahassee; four grandsons, Ray Allen (Karen) Tampa, Jake Prosser (Magen) Tallahassee, Paul Betz (Ben) New York City, Turner Prosser (Sheree) Tallahassee; six great grandchildren; One sister, Beverly Elksnis of Jacksonville, FL and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial service will be held at the Tallahassee National Cemetery on October 10, 2024 at 1:00 pm. Those attending are asked to dress casual and wear colors of Red, White, and Blue.
The family has requested no flowers be sent. Instead, please consider a memorial contribution to Honor Flight Tallahassee, P.O. Box 12033, Tallahassee, FL 32317 (https://www.honorflighttallahassee.org/donations)
Charles McClellan Funeral Home, Quincy, FL., is in charge of arrangements.
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