Joe Dale Weaver

Dale Weaver, 80, of Ash Flat, Arkansas passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Dale was born on October 10, 1945, in Cave City, Arkansas to J.R. and Lois (Sharp) Weaver – arriving just before his twin brother, Gale. He grew up west of town with his seven brothers and sisters, learning the values of hard work and integrity from his parents. He carried a deep love for his family throughout his life.

As a teenager, Dale traveled to Washington State to work in the orchards, and during his time there, he was led to the Lord. This foundation of faith would shape the rest of his life.

Dale served in the Army from 1966 to 1968 with the 101st Airborne stateside and later with the Mechanized Infantry Division in Germany, quickly earning the rank of Sergeant. After his discharge in 1968, he returned to Washington and worked at Auvil’s Fruit Company, where he met Cheryl Jones. They married in 1969 and soon started a family, raising three sons.

Dale had many vocational interests as a young man. In Washington, he worked in reforestation, for the state highway department, and was even co-owner of a gas station. After moving back home to Arkansas in 1976, he explored professional photography, ministry, and even fur hunting and trapping. His true calling revealed itself in 1981, when he began a career in public service as a Law Enforcement Officer for Cave City.

Dale had an exceptional law enforcement career. After leaving Cave City, he went to work for Independence County as a Patrol Officer and a Criminal Investigator. In 1988, he helped create and lead the 16th Judicial Drug Task Force, the first in the state of Arkansas. He later worked for Sharp County, eventually being elected Sheriff, serving eight years before retiring in 2010.

Dale’s retirement never fully “stuck.” He went on to serve in Sharp County, the 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force and Fulton County up to the time of his passing. During his years with Fulton County, his focus shifted to training, mentorship, and cold‑case investigations.

In these later years, his exceptional gift for solving cold-case murders became evident. Working part‑time for Fulton County, he solved multiple cases, bringing justice and closure to families. He always credited his Heavenly Father for giving him the wisdom to accomplish what often seemed impossible, calling Him his best partner. In 2024, he was recognized with a citation from the Arkansas House of Representatives for his remarkable career.

Dale was a wonderful and loving husband, dad, grandpa, brother and friend. He was also a driven and faithful servant to his community. He will be dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.R. and Lois Weaver; and his brother, J.L. Weaver.

He is survived by his wife, Shelia (Fraley) Weaver; three children, Jesse Weaver (Tricia), Monte Weaver (Tamissa) and Casey Weaver (Kristine); six grandchildren, Olivia Weaver, Ethan Weaver, Abigail Weaver, Elijah Weaver, Caleb Weaver and Ruby Weaver; two step-children, Brandi Phelps (Andy) and Mark Titus (Kaci); two step-grandchildren, Kynlee Titus and Paislee Titus; his sisters, Syble Rogers, Virble Bell and Jalois Cox (Frank); his brothers, Gale Weaver (Peggy), Kendall Weaver and Robert Weaver; sister-in-law, Belinda Weaver; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Please join us in the Celebration of Dale’s life at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in Cave City, located at 112 N. Main Street, Cave City, AR 72521 with a graveside service to follow at the Eutopia Cemetery in Cave City. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at the Highland Hills Baptist Church located at 2021 US-62, Highland, Arkansas 72542, where Dale was a faithful member.

Arrangements are by Qualls Funeral Homes.