Dale Gilbert Fish, 76 of Zalma, Mo., passed away June 27. He surrendered to preach as a young man and was called as interim pastor of his home church, Zalma Baptist Church. They later called him as pastor and ordained him on Aug. 25, 1968. He served there faithfully until his death.
Judy Ruth (Owens) Fish served at his side from the time of their marriage Nov. 22, 1969, until her death earlier this year. They attended most meetings of the Cane Creek Baptist Association, the BMA of Missouri and the BMA of America. He was a long serving clerk of the Cane Creek Baptist Association and the BMA of Missouri, later serving as the presiding officer of the association, as well as serving on various committees in each of the associations. He also served on the Zalma R-5 School Board and was the president of the board for many years.
He had a love for botany and enjoyed growing all kinds of plants. He also worked in fire protection at Proctor & Gamble for many years. He was a skilled builder and built the house where he and Judy raised their children. When he retired from Proctor & Gamble, he began work building a retirement home, with the occasional help of his family. He had plans to complete the house up until shortly before his death.
Survivors include: a daughter, Susan (Greg) Peninger of Leander, Texas; a son, Timothy Fish of Fort Worth, Texas; a sister, Helen DeClue; a brother, Jon Fish; and three grandsons.
A funeral service was held on June 30 at the chapel of Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance, Mo., with interment at Berrong Cemetery near Zalma, Mo.
