Dale Wood and Weldeana LaRue Harper, married 71 years, passed away together, within hours of each other, surrounded by their family, on August 21, 2026.

Graveside services for Dale and Weldeana will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Post Mountain cemetery in Burnet, Texas.

Dale was born in Clovis, New Mexico in but grew up in the Springlake/Earth Texas area where he lived with his parents and sister. In High school he enjoyed playing football, lifting weights, farming, and attending church where he met Weldeana Ash. They dated and he would go see her as she lived in Tipton, Oklahoma. Weldeana was born in Pampa, Texas and within the first few years, she and her 5 siblings went to live at Tipton Children’s Home in Tipton, Oklahoma. She enjoyed being in the choir, going to various churches and singing, attending church, and working in the front office of the Home during her high school years.  She graduated at age 17, and moved to Earth Texas, where she and Dale married. He continued to farm for a number of years, until he returned to college to obtain his degree in pharmacy.  During that time she lovingly cared for their three children. Dale worked for the state of Texas, making Social Security Disability decisions, for 30 years.  He began as a Disability Examiner and eventually served as one of five Directors in the agency.  After his retirement he worked as a Pharmacist for several years.  Weldeana lovingly raised their 3 children, and after the children were grown she began working outside the home.  She worked at the IRS, then became proficient with the new data processing machines and worked with a State Agency as a data processor, and eventually as office manager for a Director.  She loved to travel and experience adventures.  She enjoyed her family and will be remembered for her happy infectious laugh.  They retired in 2002 and moved to Victoria Tx, where they enjoyed their retirement years.  They found a church family they loved, and spent many years enjoying being part of a loving church community.  Eventually, health issues necessitated a return to Austin, where they spent their final years being with, and cared for, by family and wonderful caregivers.

They were predeceased by their parents and siblings.  Weldeana has one surviving sister, Edwana Owen.

They are survived by three children: Mark Harper (Judy), Gayle Escobedo, and Teri Lanford (Steve); five grandchildren: Shaun (Audrey), Deana (Rich), Ashley (Tyler), Loriann(Andrew), and Kai . They have one great-grandchild Braysen.

They will be sorely missed by their family, but they had a strong enduring love for Christ and are now safely resting in his loving arms.