Dale Levi Newcomer, age 92, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Rice Community Hospital in Lyons, Kansas. He was born June 20, 1934, to Dean and Mabel (Link) Newcomer in WaKeeney, Kansas. Dale was united in marriage to Roberta Arnold on August 8, 1954, in WaKeeney and they were married for 66 years.
Dale had numerous interests and passions throughout his life. However, most of us remember Dale when interacting with him in his places of business in downtown WaKeeney. Over more than six decades, Dale built relationships across Trego County that extended far beyond business. He had a gentle and funny way with the customers he served and his family members he worked alongside, and many lifelong friendships were made along the way. When Dale and Roberta became local business owners and operated the Gambles hardware store for many years, most all true local WaKeeneyites were patrons of the store and loved seeing him there along with their faithful basset hound dogs. Dale and Roberta owned and operated Newcomer Furniture along with their son Rex for over 35 years.
Dale was a valued member of the community and served in many capacities. He was a founding member of the local hospital endowment fund, a 70-year Mason, and a long-time city council member. Dale was a retired veteran who had served nine years in the Army Reserves. He served on the First Federal Savings and Loan board for many years, along with the First Bank of WaKeeney. He was also a long-time board member of Keeney Village Housing in WaKeeney, Kansas, serving for over 30 years. He was a past president of the Kiwanis Club and a longtime local business owner.
Lastly, but of utmost importance, Dale is at home with our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, along with his love Roberta!
Dale is survived by his sons Rex Newcomer (Jeanine) Lyons, KS, and Jay Newcomer (Anne) Crystal River, FL; grandchildren, Ashley Bader (Dan), Brooke Klein (Roger), Rachael Newcomer, Shay Newcomer (Mallory), Macon Newcomer (Brittany), Casidy Newcomer; great-grandchildren, Owen and Elsie Klein; Henley, Lake and Wilder Newcomer; Poppy, Posey Newcomer; sister-in-law Joann Bender (Daryl) Arlington, TX; special friend, Carolyn Riggs, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Mabel (Link) Newcomer; his wife, Roberta Newcomer (Arnold); his brothers, Raymond Newcomer and Duane Newcomer.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Spring of 2027, dates and times will be announced at a later time.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trego Community General Public Transportation or Bethlehem Lutheran Church and may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.