Dale Lon Stinson, 80, passed away from cancer on February 2, 2025, in Bulverde, Texas. He was born on October 20, 1944, in Niskayuna, New York to Marjorie Helen Fuller Stinson and Clifford Shelton Stinson.
At the age of seventeen, Dale joined the U.S. Air Force. He served four years in the intelligence division, stationed in Panama. After leaving the Air Force, he worked in the State Department at the US embassy in Mexico City.
He returned to the US and earned his bachelor's degree in Anthropology from State University New York at Albany (SUNY). He also studied Spanish and, combined with his life experiences, became fluent.
Dale began his career as a Special Agent with the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service in New York. He continued his work in immigration as a Border Patrol Agent on the US/Mexico border in Arizona. It was during this assignment that he met his wife and life partner, Christine.
In 1983 he was accepted to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Academy. Acceptance to the DEA Academy was a lifelong dream for Dale. Following graduation, he had a notable and illustrious career as a DEA Special Agent. This career took him and his family to Phoenix, El Paso, Mexico City, and finally, Alpine Texas, where he retired in 1996.
While working with the federal government, he was commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and retired as a Lieutenant (03) after 18 years.
Because of his vast knowledge and expertise, he was consulted by active law enforcement professionals for decades into his retirement. He also kept busy working various jobs related to law enforcement in Texas, Colorado, and Germany.
Dale was a man of strong convictions. Faith, family, and serving his country were his passions.During his retirement he also successfully endeavored to become an ordained priest in the Anglican Catholic Church. He served for several years until becoming a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Outside of his professional life he also enjoyed traveling and visiting his grandkids. His favorite pastime was bicycling. This was a huge source of enjoyment for Dale and he could be found riding on the trails whenever possible.
Dale was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister Ruth Stinson Duclos (John).
He is survived by his wife, Christine Jane (Heidt) Stinson; sons: Nicholas Andrew Stinson (Kenya), Jeremy Paul Stinson (Cheryl), William Joseph Heidt (Leah); his daughters: Casey Rebecca Chmura (Stephen), Brianna Coleen Olson (Jonathan), and Kathleen Kelly Hudek. He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and another great-granddaughter due in March.
He is and will be missed.
