Dale Julian Pracht was born on April 17, 1931 in Cedar County, Missouri to Ralph Hamlin Pracht and Ruby Julian Pracht. He was raised an only child as his parents had suffered the losses of their infant sons, Ralph, Jr. and Willis Leo. Dale's early childhood was during the depression years in rural Missouri, approximately 11 miles outside El Dorado Springs. Dale's formative years included helping his parents run their local general store by pumping gas and filling orders. Later, during his high school years, he was responsible for taking care of the livestock at his parents' dairy farm before and after school. His hard work and upbringing undoubtedly instilled a strong work ethic in Dale.

In 1949, Dale graduated from El Dorado Springs High School. Shortly thereafter, he attended Southwestern Missouri University for one year and then joined the United States Marine Corps. Dale served in Korea from 1950 to 1952. He became a Gunnery Sergeant, which further enhanced his sense of duty and responsibility. After his military service, in 1952, he married his hometown sweetheart, Bonnie June. He returned to Southwestern Missouri University on the GI Bill to complete his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting.

While in college, Dale accepted a job at Western Auto. Shortly thereafter in 1954, Diane, their first child, was born. After graduating, he managed his own Western Auto store in Springfield, Illinois. Later, Dale's career allowed him to move to Cedar Rapids, Iowa where Steven and Suzanne were born. It was also there where he and Bonnie purchased a Shell gas station, a motel, and restaurant. In 1959, Dale and Bonnie also worked on NASA's Mercury Program at Collins Radio.

In 1964, Dale accepted a position at Uniroyal and moved the family to Salt Lake City, Utah. A year later, in 1965, he was relocated to Houston, Texas. His hard work, perseverance, and strong work ethic allowed him to become a regional manager for Uniroyal.

In 1973, Dale moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, where he managed Chain Battery Warehouse until 1978. Shortly thereafter, Dale started Shade Tree Automotive, which he kept until 2003, when he retired. After retirement, he attended Southern University where he completed a two-year program in Federal Administration-Airframe and Power Plant Administration.

After being retired for a few years, Dale elected to return to work as CFO for the Rutherford House, a residential facility organized as an alternative to a traditional school for juveniles that have come to the attention of local courts. From 2006 to 2016, Dale enjoyed every aspect of being at Rutherford House.

Dale was a member of Brookwood Baptist Church since 1975 and served as a Deacon for many years. As a very devoted Christian, he attended Sunday school services where he built close friendships. He was a member of Brookwood for over 45 years where he exemplified his desire for fellowship and love for Christ.

He was also a member of the Shreveport Yacht Club for over 37 years and served on numerous committees. He proudly served as Commodore for the yacht club in 2006. Furthermore, he belonged to the Shreveport Power Squadron, a powerboat brotherhood, where he and his friends enjoyed weekly camaraderie. Dale's appreciation and love for his friends was demonstrated every week during their Friday Night Group, where he and Bonnie along with their closest companions gathered for dinner and celebrations. This weekly social event created numerous long-lasting friendships for Dale and Bonnie.

Dale's favorite hobby was flying. He received his pilot's license in 1970. He was also a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 343. He was integral in getting the 'Spirit of Haughton' flying after it had been restored. Along with a friend, Dale built a Loehle 5151, an experimental aircraft, which he donated to the Commemorative Air Force in Marshall Texas. One of Dale's fondest memories was being able to fly on a B-17 aircraft in 2017.

Dale Pracht is preceded in death by his parents Ralph Pracht and Ruby Julian Pracht. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, and three children: Diane Pracht Wood and her husband, Danny; Steven Dale Pracht and his wife Mandy; and Suzanne Pracht Lanier. He is also survived by his grandchildren Christopher Wood, Michael Wood, Stephanie Wood, Steven Dale Pracht, Jr., Austin Lee Lanier, and Ian Scott Lanier.

Sadly, at this time, the celebration of life will be postponed for a later date.