Dale Arthur Clever, age 79, of Galion, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 14, 2026, at his home. Dale was born January 12, 1947 in Mansfield, Ohio to Norman Carl Clever and Claudia Beatrice (Hiser) Clever.
Dale was the seventh of eight children and he experienced many adventures on the family farm near Johnsville, Ohio. His home was a loving place where friends and family were welcome and where he learned the value of hard work from a young age.
Spending time outdoors, target shooting, and hunting were some of his favorite activities. A gifted musician, Dale learned to play the banjo, and the mandolin. Special family memories were made when Dale, his dad, and other family members or neighbors would join in playing music together for enjoyment.
During his nearly 10-year marriage to Loreice “Peachy” Seidner, children Maria, Steve and Kathy were born. Dale worked for the Tappan company in Mansfield, Ohio and at Nucor Steel in Marion. In his retirement, Dale took faithful care of his mother and kept her in his home for years, for as long as he was able to provide the full care that she needed.
Recently, Dale chose to make a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior by telling his pastor that he wanted to be baptized. He was baptized and also joined his local church where he had been attending faithfully for several years. In personal conversations with one of his children, he shared openly and genuinely of his faith in and love for Jesus and how he was growing as a Christian. He spoke of his love for all three of his children and their families, and he had begun praying for them daily. Dale had also gained a deep appreciation for his pastor and his church friends, and they brought encouragement in his life.
Dale is survived by his children: Maria (Terry) McKinney of South Lyon, Michigan, Steve (Ronalee) Clever of Galion, and Kathy (Steve) Kochheiser of Mansfield.
Grandchildren: Michael (Andrea) McKinney, Chris McKinney, Jonathon (Katy) McKinney, Justina (Chris) DeClue, Jessica Clever (Elliott), Heather (Devin) Koons, Whitney (Caleb) Brubaker, and Joshua (Hadassah) Kochheiser and 18 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother and sister-in-law John (Kim) Clever and sister-in-law, Beverly Clever.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, additional siblings/in-laws Juanita and William Volz, Catherine Clever Stewart, Harold and Carolyn Clever, Beatrice and Jim Dorminy, Dave Clever, and by his granddaughter, Kaitlyn Kochheiser.
Dale’s family will receive friends and family on Friday, August 21, 2026 from 11:00AM-12:00PM at his church: Heritage Baptist Church, 1381 State Route 61 in Galion, Ohio. The service will begin at 12 noon. Burial to follow immediately at Shauck Cemetery in Johnsville, Ohio. The Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home honored to assist the Clever family with funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to assist the family with final expenses. Please make checks payable to Snyder Funeral Homes.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com