Dale Dean Burnam, 87, passed away on February 11, 2024, in Mangum, OK. He was born on August 22, 1936, to Roy & Katie Burnam in Brinkman, OK. Dale grew up on a farm in Reed, OK. He played basketball and loved football. In high school, Dale joined the National Guard and later joined the United States Navy, where he specialized in airplane mechanics. During his 30-year Naval career, he was involved in many missions. In October 1962, he served aboard the USS Independent during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Dale was aboard the USS Intrepid for the capsule recovery of Astronauts Gus Grissom and John Young of the Gemini III space mission. During the Vietnam War, Dale was aboard the USS Ticonderoga, whose aircraft were assigned to destroy supply routes from the Soviet Union to the North Vietnamese. After his retirement, Dale moved to Mangum, OK, in 1989 and married Flo Cox on November 10, 1989. Dale had a gift; he could fix anything with a motor.

He went to work as a truck driver, then went to open a wood shop where he could make anything out of wood; he even built houses. In his free time, he enjoyed cooking, canning, and camping. He was later elected as the City Commissioner of Mangum.

The city of Mangum loved him just as much as he loved them! Dale had a helping heart and would do just about anything to help anyone out.

He had two pet companions who never left his side, Shug & Missy. Dale will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include: Children: Pamela Burnam, Vernon, TX, Cheryl Batey, Mangum, OK, Roy Burnam, Mauston, WI, Kenneth Burnam, Cedar Park, TX, JC Cox, Mangum, OK Grandchildren: Starla Laughlin, Lexie Turner, Briana Taylor, Colby Burnam, Roy Burnam, Jr., Dax Burnam, Drake Burnam Great Grandchildren: McKensi Bates, Colton Laughlin, Remington Laughlin, Leremie Harper, Jessa Harper, Jase Taylor Great Great Grandchild: Kayzli Dawn Bates Siblings: Leb Elmer, Steven Richard, Patty Spoon, & Genell Dement.

A host of nieces, nephews, family & friends.

Preceded in death by his wife, Flo Burnam, Parents: Roy & Katie Burnam, 8 Brothers: Lloyd Curt, Lonnie William, Oliver Paul, Edward Jesse, Arvis Delmar, Benjamin Alfred, Marcus Roy, Robert Lane, & 1 Sister: Betty Jean Cumbie.

A private family service will be held at a later date.