Dale Thomas Kervin

Dale Thomas Kervin passed away peacefully at home on March 5, 2026. Born on January 9, 1937, to Joseph and Loretta (Rectenwald) Kervin in Maumee, Ohio, Dale lived his entire life in the community where he was raised as the sixth of fifteen children in a lively and close-knit family that remained a lasting source of pride and connection. Nine siblings survive him.

At seventeen, Dale showed the courage and resolve that would define his life when he stretched the truth about his age to join the United States Navy, serving as a Seaman aboard the USS Howard W. Gilmore. On December 9, 1978, he married the love of his life, Betty (Casier). Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and generosity. Dale dedicated forty years to The Andersons in the fertilizer division in Maumee, retiring in 1996. Even in retirement he remained active, taking on projects and building display cases at Walt Churchill’s Market and performing odd jobs at the Maumee Elks. He was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Maumee Aerie 2562 and Rossford Aerie 2322, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Maumee Lodge 1850, and American Legion Maumee Post 320.

Dale’s passions brought him great joy. He proudly served as captain of the boat he and Betty shared, spending many peaceful days on Lake Erie fishing for walleye and perch. He loved gardening, growing and canning his own produce, and was equally creative in the kitchen and garage, making his own barbecue sauce, homemade sausage in countless flavors, and experimenting with recipes. In recent years he took up making homemade moonshine in a variety of flavors, always sharing his creations generously with family, friends, and neighbors. Gifted with a brilliant mind and skilled hands, Dale could build or fix almost anything. He crafted unique birdhouses and handcrafted walking canes, each one made with care, and was the person everyone knew they could call when something needed repair. Above all, he gave freely of his time, knowledge, harvests, and creations, showing that a good life is measured by what one gives away.

Dale is survived by his wife Betty, his daughter Debbie (Rick) Easterwood, whom he fondly called his son, three children, two stepchildren, thirteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, seven sisters, two brothers, and his beloved Chihuahua Josie, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, two sisters, and his cherished pets Bear, Tommy, and BB. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a cherished brother, loyal friend, and helpful neighbor—a gracious and humble man whose unwavering love, steady presence, and generous spirit touched countless lives.