Dale Richard Tapley

Dale Richard Tapley, 62, lost his hard fought battle to COVID-19 on July 24, 2021 at 2:31 PM in Springfield Missouri. He was born July 6, 1959 in Carthage Missouri. Dale was the son of Arthur Richard Tapley and Janet Louise Gunn Tapley. Dale graduated from Carthage High School class of 1977. Following graduation he went on to play college basketball at Navarro Junior College then onto Lewis and Clark College where he earned his Bachelors degree. He was able to enjoy several years of retirement as the Vice President of Marketing from Cox communications but his most proud accomplishments were being a devoted Husband and Father. Dale met and married the love of his life, forever soulmate, wife and best friend Cindy Carlson Tapley of 43 most blissful years. In addition to his parents and loving wife he was survived by his children Ashley Tapley Nichol’s (Matt); Brian Tapley; Melody Ballou (Mark Frank’s); Toshua Ballou LeMeur (John) and grandchildren Raygan Whallon; Brady O’Donnell; Sophia and Samuel LeMeur, Taylor Frank’s his sisters Barbara Tapley Melton; Brenna Tapley Nichol’s (Greg) and many other extended family friends and loved ones. Dale Tapley lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures like playing basketball, woodworking and creating beautiful pieces of furniture, cruising on his motorcycles, taking long rides in his vet, but mostly enjoying good food, friends, great conversations and a good book. Dale was truly an upstanding son, brother, father, cousin and friend with an uncanny ability to reach even a stranger he just met in a deep and positive way with his infectious personality, humor and unfaltering advice. He was most honorable to everyone who was blessed to know him. A celebration of life will be held in Carthage Missouri this Sunday August 1st at Kascade Steakhouse 988 S Country Club Rd for 2:00 pm.