Dale Gann

Marvin Dale Gann, age 87, of Ozark, Missouri, most recently of Paris, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, December 17, at University Hospital, Columbia, Missouri. He was born April 5, 1937, the son of Charlie Leo and Zelma (Gibson) Gann. At the age of 12, Dale received Christ as his Savior and was baptized into the Fairview Baptist Church, Sparta.  

On June 3, 1956, he and Nelda Maxine (Plank) were united in marriage. Dale attended Southwest Baptist College, Southwest Missouri State University, and Midwestern Theological Seminary. Dale, along with Nelda at his side, pastored several rural churches. He and Nelda accepted their call as missionaries. They were appointed to East and Central Africa by the International Mission Board, SBC, and served for 33 years. In Arusha, Tanzania, Dale was Dean of Students, and taught classes at the Arusha Seminary. Following their return to Missouri, Dale pastored First Baptist Church, Chadwick, Missouri. 

Dale was preceded in death by his wife, Nelda in 2020. Also preceding him in death were his son, Monte, brother Emil Gann and wife Barbara, and brother-in-law, Charles Christman.

Survivors include: His daughter, Joy Burnett and husband, Doug, of Paris, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Cindy Gann of Belton, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Dale Burnett and wife Payton, Joel Burnett, Brad Burnett, Megan Burnett, Cheyenne Jones and husband Steely, Micah Dale Gann and wife Emily, Noah Gann, Jesse Gann, and Ben Gann; seven great-grandchildren, Sophie and Asher Burnett, Evelynn and Theo Jones,  Penny Rose, Theo and Niko Gann; two brothers, Don Gann and wife Marilyn, and Danny Gann; a sister Leola Christman; and several nieces and nephews.

 A memorial service will be 3:00 PM Saturday, December 28, in First Baptist Church Ozark, with Pastor Wesley Hammond and Dr. Phillip Burden officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00PM until service time in the church.The family will inter the cremains in Sparta Cemetery. Arrangements and services are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home.  

Memorial donations may be made in Dale's name to the International Mission Board, Lottie Moon Christmas offering.