Dale Oscar Caruthers passed away on May 5, 2024, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Dale was born at the Smith Clinic in Pittsburg, Kansas to Oscar and Grace (Kisor) Caruthers on April 16, 1937. He attended Pittsburg High School and was a member of their undefeated 1955 state championship football team. He then received a football scholarship to Kansas State University, where he played until his father passed away and he returned home to help his mother run the family business, Caruthers Garage and Auto Salvage. Dale and his mother ran the business together until she passed away, at which time his sister, Linda Lou, joined. Together, Dale and his sister ran the business for another 35 years. Dale was widely known across the area to be an excellent mechanic and honest businessman. He loved watching football, fishing, pheasant hunting, restoring cars, and racing stock cars.
Dale is survived by his loving wife, Donna Caruthers, of nearly forty years, his sister, Linda Lou Newbery, and her partner and his best friend, Don Hubbard. He is also survived by his children, Jana Hartshorn and husband Don, Kurt Caruthers, Morgan Caruthers and wife Terri, Colby Caruthers and wife Kristine, stepdaughter Marla Hallacy and partner Sean Taverna, and Jeff Wiley whom he considered a son. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Dale was predeceased by his parents, and his nephew, Matt Newbery.
There will be a visitation at 1 p.m. and service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St. in Pittsburg, Kansas. Family burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Brenner Mortuary in the name of Dale Caruthers to the Pittsburg State University Foundation for a scholarship for local students in the automotive technology program.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.