Montezuma - Dale Ray Tuxhorn, 88, died September 15, 2017 at Presbyterian Manor of the Plains in Dodge City. He was born on October 25, 1928 in Montezuma, the son of Clarence F. and Leva (Unruh) Tuxhorn.

Dale was a lifetime resident of Montezuma. He began his education at a country school northwest of Montezuma, near the family farm. He graduated from Montezuma High School in 1947. On September 1, 1948, he married Dora Maxine McDonald in Montezuma. She preceded him in death on February 11, 2005. Dale first worked for the City of Montezuma and farmed northwest of Copeland. In 1948, he began his career as an appliance technician for Montezuma Lumber and Hardware and worked on heating and air conditioners and appliances until his retirement in 1996. After his retirement, he and Dora enjoyed traveling in the RV to various places. Dale enjoyed camping and fishing as well as woodworking. He made many wooden toys for the grandchildren. Dale also enjoyed attending his grandchildren's ballgames and other activities.

He was a member of the Montezuma United Methodist Church. Dale served on the Montezuma City Council from 1959-1977. In 1978, he was elected to serve as the Mayor of Montezuma, which he did until 1991.

Dale is survived by three children, Ron Tuxhorn and wife Gayle of Montezuma, Gary Tuxhorn and wife Kathy of Dodge City, and Deniese Barber and husband Kelly of Johnson; seven grandchildren, Kim Nelson and husband Jim of Minneola, Traci Reed and husband Ryan of Montezuma, Cody Tuxhorn of Dodge City, Justin Tuxhorn of Dodge City, Jeremy Tuxhorn and wife Aggie of Andover, Ty Barber and wife Vera of Manter, and Dusty Barber of Johnson; 10 great grandchildren, Allie, Ethan, and Owen Reed, Keira, Kaiya, Isaiah Nelson, Madison, Raegan, and Harper Tuxhorn, and Colt Barber; and one sister-in-law, Nadine Tuxhorn of Dodge City. In addition to his wife, Dora, Dale is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Melvin and Raymond Tuxhorn; sister Daylene Meyer; and grandson, Thomas Reed Barber.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma United Methodist Church on Tuesday September 19, 2017 at 10:30 AM with Pastors Javier Martinez and Jerry Odle presiding. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Montezuma. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Monday September 18, 2017 from noon to 8:00 PM with the family receiving friends from 5:00 - 7:00PM. Memorials are suggested to the Montezuma United Methodist Church or the American Diabetes Foundation in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com