Dr. Vernon Dale McElwee D.D.S.

Dr. Vernon Dale McElwee D.D.S., son of Rollin Edward and Emma Mildred (Clevenger) McElwee, was born December 14, 1941, in Braymer, Missouri. He departed this life Monday, March 17, 2025, at his home at the age of eighty-three years, three months, and three days.

On June 3, 2001, Dale was united in marriage to Sara Whitney, and together they shared twenty-four years of marriage.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Cody Mabery; and a brother-in-law, Larry Beal.

He is survived by his wife, Sara, of the home; his daughter, Shelly Mabery and significant other, Terry Wright, of Warsaw, Missouri; a son, Joseph Cope of Camdenton, Missouri; a granddaughter, McKayla Mabery of Braymer, Missouri; his sister, Betty Beal of Camdenton, Missouri; his brother, Rick McElwee and wife Jo, of Camdenton, Missouri; a niece, Terri Holstrom; a nephew, Brandon McElwee; his extended family, Todd and Tony Eichler; as well as a host of other relatives and many dear friends.

Dale grew up in Braymer and graduated from high school there. He attended the University of Missouri where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Zoology. On April 3, 1964, Dale entered the United States Army and proudly served his country as a Captain during the Vietnam war. Following his honorable discharge, Dale enrolled in the University of Missouri—Kansas City School of Dentistry where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery. In 1972, Dale moved to the Camdenton area and began his career as a Dentist. In 1984, he opened Lake Dental Clinic. Under his direction, LDC became the largest private practice in the Midwest for many years. Dale believed in giving back to his community, and for many years he provided free dental care to numerous students, community members of need, and mission trips to Costa Rica and Panama. Dale retired from his practice in 2013. In 2009, Dale and family, opened JJ’s at the Copper Pot in Laurie which became a celebrated upscale dining establishment that he enjoyed sharing with friends and family until its closing in 2020.

Dale became a member of Lake Valley Golf Club in 1972 and enjoyed many years as a member. Throughout his life, Dale hit seven hole-in-ones! He was also a two-time champion of the annual Golf Brawl at the club. Dale served many terms on the Lake Valley Board of Directors both as a board member and President. His ability to lead and vision for the future played an integral part in the success of Lake Valley and the countless friendships made there will forever be part of the club’s history.

Dale was also a Master Mason as well as a Shriner and was a member of the Polo Masonic Lodge. In 1977, he became a member of the prestigious Royal Order of Jesters. Dale was also a member of the VFW Post 5923 in Camdenton, Elks Lodge, and board member of the Dogwood Animal Shelter.

When he wasn’t golfing, Dale enjoyed fishing, hunting the family farm in Braymer, and his annual elk hunting trip to Colorado with his grandson, family, and friends. Dale also lived a life of adventure trekking across the country - trips to Russia, Ireland, Scotland, Dominican Republic - and winters in Puerto Vallarta.

His friends and family were very important to him and he loved them all fiercely. Dale attributed his success and long life to his CLEAN LIVIN’.

Dale was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. We celebrate his life and accomplishments and will treasure the many wonderful memories he has created for his family and friends.

Friends will gather at Lake Valley Golf Club at 2:00 pm. Saturday, March 29, 2025 followed by a tribute to Dale at 3:00 pm at the club. Burial with full military honors will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Black Oak Cemetery in Braymer, Missouri. The family invites anyone who wishes to attend a gathering at the family farm in Braymer, immediately following the interment on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial to donations be made to the following:

Truman VA 

Attn: CDCE

800 Hospital Dr

Columbia, MO 65201

Memo on check to Vernon McElwee-Infusion Lab

or

Lake Valley Golf Club Tree Fund

PO Box 317

Camdenton, MO 65020.

Memo on check to Dale McElwee Tree Fund

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton.