Dale Fish

ZALMA, Mo. — Dale Gilbert Fish went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

He was born May 5, 1947, to Earl and Electa Fish near Zalma. He lived in several locations throughout his childhood, but called Zalma home for most of his life.

He surrendered to preach as a young man and was called as interim pastor of his home church, Zalma Missionary Baptist Church. The congregation later called him as pastor. The church ordained him Aug. 25, 1968. He served there faithfully until his death.

His wife, Judy Ruth Owens Fish, served at his side from the time of their marriage Nov. 22, 1969. Together, they attended most meetings of Cane Creek Baptist Association, Baptist Missionary Association of Missouri and Baptist Missionary Association of America.

Judy preceded Dale in death Feb. 3, 2023.

Dale was a long-serving clerk of Cane Creek Baptist Association and BMA of Missouri, later serving as the presiding officer of the association, as well as serving on various committees in each of the associations.

Dale had a love for botany and enjoyed growing all kinds of plants. He also worked in fire protection at Procter & Gamble for many years. He was a skilled builder and built the house where he and Judy raised their children. When he retired from P&G, he began work building their retirement home with the occasional help of his family. He had plans to complete the house up until shortly before his death.

Dale served on the Zalma School Board and was the president of the board for many years.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan (Greg) Peninger of Leander Texas; son, Timothy Fish of Fort Worth, Texas; sister, Helen DeClue; brother, Jon Fish; grandsons, Joshua, Adam and Luke Peninger; and many loved family and friends.

Visitation was held Thursday, June 29, at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance, Missouri.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 30, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Berrong Cemetery near Zalma.