Gordon Dale Bynum, 87, Roosevelt, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2008, in Elkview General Hospital, Hobart, after a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in Roosevelt.

Dale was born in the Sayre Community, Eldorado, to James and Artie ( Shook) Bynum on May 12, 1921. He married Hazel Fowler on Dec. 22, 1945, in Vernon, Texas, and she preceded him in death on Oct. 25, 2005. He graduated from Eldorado High School in 1938. He then attended Cameron Junior College in Lawton and graduated in 1941. Dale served in the United States Navy during World War II for 3 years. He was honorably discharged in December 1945. After he and Hazel were marred he returned to college and graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1948. They moved to Roosevelt community where Dale taught Vocational Education for 17 years. He then became the Elementary Principal for 6 years before moving to work as an Area Supervisor for the State Department of Education until his retirement in 1985. After retirement, Dale served as secretary of the Roosevelt Cemetery Board until 1997. He was very active in First Baptist Church in Roosevelt where he was the Sunday School Superintendent for 28 years. He became a mason in 1954 and was honored as a Master Mason in 1955. Dale and Hazel lived and worked in the Roosevelt community since 1948. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor who always gave unconditional love and support to all who loved him.

Survivors include his four daughters Becky Baden of Lawton, Leah Bobrovicz of Duncan, Jana Cope of Lawton, and Jill Smith of Hobart; nine grandchildren, Kale and Amy Baden of Norman, Joel and Ashley Hebensperger of Edmond, Justin Bobrovicz of Loveland, Colo., Kristi and Todd Ryans of Oklahoma City, Todd Bobrovicz of Denver, Nick and Jenny Hebensperger of Lawton, Jake Smith of Mustang, Jarrod Smith of Mustang and Nathan Hebensperger of Edmond; eight great-grandchildren, Hayden Hebensperger, Jackson Baden, Ava Hebensperger, Kaled Ryans, Alexsis, Jayden, Zoee, and Julian Ward; one sister–in-law, Jessie Courtney of Roseville, Calif.; one brother-in-law, G. W. Strawn of Eldorado; many nieces and other extended family members and a special caregiver, LaDonna Turner.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel; his parents; two sisters, Velma McJenkins and Nova Strawn; one brother, Denzil Bynum; one son-in-law, Randy Smith; and a grandson, Josh Smith.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor to the First Baptist Church of Roosevelt.

Burial will be in the Roosevelt Cemetery under the direction of Ray & Martha’s Funeral Home in Hobart.