Donald Dale "Coach" Venable
July 12, 1936 – February 8, 2025

Donald Dale "Coach" Venable, 88, passed away on February 8, 2025. Born on July 12, 1936, he was the beloved son of Don and Mildred Venable. He and his three sisters were raised in the Beaver, Oklahoma area.

From a young age, Dale had a passion for sports. Determined to make every practice, he was one of the first in town to get a gas scooter just so he could make it into town for training. He played multiple sports but truly excelled in track and earned awards and a scholarship to play college football.

After graduating high school, Dale spent two years serving in the Army before his love for athletics led him to a lifelong career in teaching and coaching. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies from Panhandle State and later obtained a Master's in Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Over the course of 31 years in education, he taught history and social studies while coaching every sport. His greatest passion was always men's and women's basketball, and his impact as a coach was profound.

Dale received countless coaching awards, but what mattered most to him were the athletes he mentored. He was known for remembering every student he coached, earning him the nickname "Coach" by all who knew him. In his later years, he cherished the visits and letters from former players, who often shared how his guidance, discipline, and "Willie Bucks" philosophy—his trademark "never give up" attitude—shaped their lives.

Beyond the classroom and the court, Dale had a deep love for horse racing. Growing up around animals, he developed a lifelong passion for raising and training quarter horses and thoroughbred race horses. After taking early retirement from education, he was able to dedicate more time to his horses and was always eager to share stories, photos, and videos with anyone who showed interest (and sometimes when they didn't).

On May 10, 1985, Dale married Shirley (Parcels) Stam and gained two step-children Tyler and Tara Stam. Together they built a life in Colony, Oklahoma, where they spent over 39 wonderful years together. He took great pride in maintaining their home, ensuring there wasn't a single gopher mound in sight. Even in his later years, he was known for outworking the "young bucks" on his property.

Dale was preceded in death by his first wife, Elaine Welch, and his three children: Brad Venable, Michael Venable (Michelle), and Kathi Baker (Steve).

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley (Parcels) Venable; stepchildren Tyler Stam (Misty) and Tara Stam; numerous grand and great grandchildren; and his sister, Kay Sinclair (Don). He is also survived by many extended family members and dear friends who were like family—too many to name but never forgotten.

Dale's legacy of dedication, perseverance, and mentorship will live on in the countless lives he touched.

No formal services will be held per Dale's wishes and in lieu of flowers please make charitable donations to Weatherford Food and Resource Center 1225 8th St. Weatherford OK.