Dale Lee Roark was born June 27, 1948, to Lee and Josephine (Brothers) Roark in Cheyenne, Oklahoma. He attended and graduated from Cheyenne Public Schools and continued his higher education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he obtained Master's in Education and Psychology. He also obtained a Bachelors in Aviation from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and a Bachelors in Aeronautical Engineering from Oklahoma State University. He married Connie West from Watonga in 1974 and from that union one son, Mark, was born. Dale had various careers throughout his life, but flying was his favorite.

His love of flying gave him the opportunity to fly famous singers like Alice Cooper, The Grateful Dead, and Vince Gill to shows around the country. He enjoyed doing aerophotography in Alaska and flew a multitude of relief flights in Kenya. Throughout his adult life Dale has lived in the United States, the Middle East, and Africa - from Egypt to Kenya, including Sudan, Somalia, Uganda, Zireia, and Tchad. Dale was honored by the Nuba people for his bravery in saving their village. He has been mentioned in National Geographic magazine and has had a main character based on him in a book, Acts of Faith, by Philip Caputo. Dale passed away suddenly on November 24, 2023, at 75 years, 4 months, and 28 days.

He is preceded in death by both his parents, Lee Roark and Josephine Daughtery, and one sister, Carrol Stamper.

He is survived by his son, Mark Roark and wife Tonya; three granddaughters, Amber Minor and husband Warren, Jade Roark and Violet Roark; one great-granddaughter, Evangeline Minor; one sister, Nancy Cook and husband Dan; two brothers, Dwayne Roark & wife Juhretta and Deryl Roark & wife Lawana; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.