Dale Chafin

Marion Dale Chafin, “Dale,” was born in 1955 in Longview, TX and passed away peacefully on July 21, 2020 at Omega House Hospice in Houston, TX.

Dale was born and raised in Longview, TX, graduating from Union Grove High School in 1973, where he was active in band, tennis, and served as Student Council president. After high school he attended Kilgore Junior College, where he became involved with The Kilgore Rangerettes as a manager, made lifelong friends and even worked with Gussy Nell Davis! In 1977 he received his bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas University in San Marcos, where he made more lifelong friends as part of their cheerleading squad. Dale spent his summers during these years working at Longview Construction and Gruene Hall.

Dale will forever be remembered as a great story-teller and the life of the party! He also wanted to be part of something bigger and to give back to the community. In the late 1990s, Dale was part of an NIH project doing early AIDS research, and shared his experiences overcoming alcoholism with others at local AA meetings.

He lived in many places, including Dallas, San Diego and Houston. Dale had a gift for interior design and floral arrangements and showcased his talents through his employment at Trend Furniture & Interiors, Gumps, Loki Florist, and The Empty Vase, to name just a few. 

A loyal fan of The Astros and The Texans, he enjoyed family, travel, being part of the softball community and watching Joe play softball, keeping connected to friends and family, baking cookies and gardening with Jace, and spoiling his dogs!

Dale is predeceased by both of his parents, Marion Robertson “Bob” Chafin and Sallie Edd (Black) Chafin. He is survived by his husband of 5 years, Joe Garivey, Joe’s son Jacob Garivey and his grandson Jace, all of Houston, TX. Dale is also survived by his brother Dennis (Margie), of Bethlehem, PA, and his half-sister Gaye McCaslin of Gardnerville, NV. Other surviving family members include his nieces and nephews, Katie (Greg) Meyer, Beth Chafin, Joey Chafin, Jessica (Joshua) Patanella, grand nieces and nephews, and many loving cousins. He will be greatly missed by all of these, as well as his many friends, especially those in his Rangerette and SWTS Cheerleading family.

Dale’s family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Omega House Hospice. We will forever be thankful for their kindness and compassion during his final weeks. In lieu of flowers, please remember Dale by making a donation to Omega House Hospice.

A private memorial service will be held at Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services on Saturday, August 1st. Invited close friends and family will gather from 1 to 3 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 1:30. While attendance is limited for safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, all are welcome and encouraged to virtually take part in the service by watching via livestream by clicking here or visiting this link: https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=159556354569041

At a later date, Dale’s friends and family will gather for a “blow out” celebration, which has already been designed by Dale, at the venue where he and Joe were married.  In true Dale fashion, he wanted his family and friends to celebrate his life with good food, music, and drink, shared with laughter, tears and lots of stories.