Lealand Dale Meade was born on October 4, 1943, in Skiatook, Oklahoma. He passed away peacefully at home with family on November 24, 2025. Dale, as he was known to family and friends, was raised on the family farm in Oklahoma and graduated from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa. In 1962, he joined the Marine Corps. While on active duty, he was critically injured in an accident. He spent the next two years in military hospitals in Texas. He struggled for most of his life from the pain and ongoing surgeries as a result of the accident. Despite consistent pain, those who knew him know that he wasn't a complainer. In fact, he was known for his huge smile and genuine kindness toward everyone he met. In Tulsa, Dale worked in the printing industry for 10 years. Then, in 1978, he met Linda Sacher, an old family friend of his sister's, while he was in Oregon visiting Linda's parents. The two soon fell in love and married in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma that same year. Dale then relocated to Silverton, Oregon with Linda where he was the loving husband, father, and grandfather that people dream about. He worked for Silver Falls School District for 23 years before retiring in 2001. Dale was a big Oregon Ducks sports fan, Linda's "Duck by marriage". Even though his family always came first, he was an avid fisherman, fishing the coast, local lakes, and rivers in Oregon. In his retirement, he was fortunate to have been able to make fishing trips to Canada and Alaska before he was confined to a wheelchair in 2006. From that chair he did everything he could possibly do with his arms. There was no complaining. He faced all of the obstacles in life with a steadfast faith in God and the hope and peace only found in Jesus. After all those years in a wheelchair, he's now walking on streets of gold.

Dale was preceded in death by brother Alic Meade, and sisters Gayle Jarrett and Vickie Burns. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda, daughters Tara (Chris) Baldridge, Molly (Devin) Hlavinka, and Samantha Wiegand, and grandchildren Sofie, Coleston, Allie, Sabby, Ethan, and Naomi. Dale is also survived by brother Dean Meade, sister Patti Forrest, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

We would like to give special thanks to Serenity Hospice and their wonderful staff.

There will be a Celebration of Life at The Farm on Golden Hill, 11506 Kaufman Rd. NE, Silverton, on Saturday, December 13th at 1:30. There will also be a viewing the day prior, Friday, December 12th at Unger Funeral Chapel in Silverton, from noon to 4:00. Private burial at Willamette National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers we would like to suggest donations to Serenity Hospice 3501 Fairview Industrial Dr SE Ste 140, Salem, OR 97302 or Drake's Crossing Fire, 19364 Powers Creek Loop NE, Silverton, OR 97381.