Dale Keith Spurgin

Dale Keith Spurgin was born on October 18, 1932, in Lucas, Texas, to Ollie Alfonso Spurgin and Elizabeth Funderburgh Spurgin. The youngest of ten children, he grew up on the family farm and graduated from Plano High School, where he excelled as a shortstop on the baseball team. After serving two years in the Army, he returned to Lucas and began his life’s work as a farmer and man of the soil.

In 1955, Dale met the love of his life, nurse Barbara Lou, at the Tastee Freeze in Garland. They married on December 23, 1960, and spent the next 65 years together building a home and a life centered on faith, family, and service. Dale served his community in many capacities, including as the first Constable of the newly formed city of Lucas, 60 years on the Collin County Farm Bureau board, 40 years as an elder at Lucas Christian Church, and as Chairman of the U.S. Grains Council, through which he met numerous world leaders.

Dale and Barbara’s home on Lucas Road was a gathering place for family, friends, youth groups, Bible studies, weddings, fundraisers, and countless celebrations filled with singing and laughter. It was a place where the lonely found belonging, the lost encountered Jesus, the dying received comfort, and all were welcomed and prayed for. Many lives were deeply touched by their hospitality and genuine care.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Sandra Lea Spurgin, his parents, sisters Velda Copus and Marie Phelps, and brothers Nobel, Buck, Cotton, Sandy, Jack, and Truman Spurgin. Dale is survived by his wife Barbara Lou Spurgin, sons Keith and wife Susan, Kevin and wife Jana, grandchildren Emily Weatherl and husband Josh, Audrey Causey and husband Philip, Molly Valente and husband Nick, Macy Spurgin, Betty Simmons and husband Mike, Carol Boyle and husband John, Jeremiah Spurgin and wife Ashley, and Sarah Martin and husband Patrick, along with 18 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, friends, and former colleagues. His legacy of faith, kindness, and steadfast character will continue through all those who knew and loved him.