Roll Call Tribute

(Published in) The (Bryan-College Station) Eagle (on) October 30, 2016

Webb, Dr. L. Dale

"The mind is everything. What you think, you become." --Buddha "

What the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve." --Napoleon Bonaparte

A beloved husband, father and educator, Dr. L. Dale Webb passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at age 80.
Born at home on Spade Ranch near Westbrook, TX, Dale grew up in Gladewater and Jourdanton, TX, then later in New Mexico. His parents were Harvey Webb and Louise Palmer Webb—a Chemist/Chemical Technician for El Paso Natural Gas and a Nurse, respectively. As a boy, Dale walked through watermelon patches, thumping each one to find the sweetest amongst them, from which he would only eat the core before leaving the rest. He also loved to hunt anything from deer and varmints to coyotes, and he loved playing baseball. At length, Dale graduated from Jal High School then New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (now New Mexico Tech), with a Bachelors in Science. Eventually, Dale made his way to Texas A&M University in pursuit of his Doctorate in Material Sciences.

While in College Station, Dale met Deborah Brown Webb at a social event for singles (at the now defunct Fish Richard's Restaurant). He flirted with her and then called her the next day. They dated until Deborah moved to California—but Dale later convinced her to move back to Texas. They were married on May 18, 1985, at a church wedding in San Angelo. Dale's three children, Michael, Lisa, and Kelly, welcomed Deborah into the Webb family.

Dale and Deborah loved to take road trips and vacations, choosing to visit relatives and friends who needed help with completing home repairs and various projects along the way. Dale's favorite vacations also included the time they spent in Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. No matter where he was, Dale tinkered with everything and fixed anything broken. Everywhere Dale went, he reached out to those he encountered and never met a stranger. He loved telling stories about how things worked and was highly prized as a lecturer and an educator. He seemed to always know the answer to every question, causing his grandchildren to dub him, "Google with feet." He was an avid member of and serious enthusiast when it came to The Studebaker Drivers Club, as well as the A&M Plungers Club (which played darts with toilet plungers). Indeed, he was a serious man who still loved to have fun—a jolly, intellectually curious, force of nature invested in lifelong learning.

After beginning his academic career in New Mexico, he moved to Oregon State and later to Reno. Dale achieved professional success as a rocket scientist before accepting a grad student position at Texas A&M. After arriving in College Station, Dale taught undergraduate classes while pursuing his PhD, and ultimately worked in the Civil Engineering Department at A&M for more than forty years. Over time, Dale managed research projects in conjunction with NASA and TX DOT, held several patents and even helped to develop a plastic bullet. As a lecturer, Dale hit his stride with students and loved to demonstrate scientific principles in ways which young people would appreciate—i.e., encouraging them to shoot rubber bands at him during a lecture regarding the influence of angle of attack and speed in relation to aerodynamics.

With all of Dale's brilliance and professional acclaim, he remained humble and teachable—a true scientist—as well as a loving family member and friend. The consummate professional, Dale also enjoyed simple things, such as Mexican food, chocolate ice cream and hanging out at home with his dog, Poncho. Likewise, Dale relished his roles as a husband, father, grandfather and friend to many who now miss his inquisitive mind and generous nature.

Dale is survived by Deborah—his sweetheart of 31 years—as well as his children and their spouses: Michael & Connie Webb, Lisa & Tom Webb and Kelly & Lyle Webb. Dale's sister and brother-in-law, Melba & Jim Ellison, also survive him. In addition, Dale's grandchildren mourn his loss, including: Jessica Tobin, Mike Tobin, Stephen Webb and Annabeth Webb. Aside from his immediate family, Dale's former students, colleagues and friends—especially Scott Terry, who was like a second son to Dale—now mark his passing.

Join with us in celebrating the life of Dale Webb at his funeral service on Sunday, November 6th at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan, beginning at 2:30pm. Ultimately, interment will be at the city cemetery in Jal, NM.

Share stories and memories of Dale (Dr. Webb) at www.hillierfuneralhome.com.