Dale Asher, 75, of Muskogee, passed away at his home May 14, 2009. A long-time resident of Muskogee, Mr. Asher leaves a legacy of benevolence, kindness, and years of community service. Dale was born July 16, 1933 in Midridge, Mo. to Edward and Sylvia (Clark) Asher. He graduated from Bunker High School at the age of 16 and began teaching at 17. Afterward, he attended Boliver Christian College in Springfield, Mo. Dale then moved with his family to Oklahoma where he began a career in finance. He was the manager of Nationwide Finance Company for several years before beginning a new career as Executive Vice President of Citizens National Bank. Mr. Asher married his high school sweetheart, Colleen Hubbard Asher, and to this union four children were born: Deborah Asher Shiew (deceased), Sandra Ferrino, Sherrye Justus, and Tracy Asher. A generous and loving father, Mr. Asher was the primary caregiver when the love of his life, Colleen, became ill. Her life was celebrated and comfortable until she was called home in 1998. Later, Dale continued his lifelong role as caregiver to his eldest daughter Deborah, who suffered with Type 1 Diabetes throughout her life. Mr. Asher and Deborah's husband, Leonard Shiew, remained her constant companions and caregivers until her death in 2008. Mr. Asher was a remarkable, prominent Muskogean who exemplified the meaning of benevolence and caring. Always active in community service, he touched the lives of all he knew. Dale was a lifetime member of the Noon Lion's Club, Past Oklahoma District Governor, 32nd Degree Mason, Lion's Club Zone Marshall, Shriner Provost Marshall, Member of the American Diabetes Association, and Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Mr. Asher's efforts to help those suffering from trauma, injury, and effects of diabetes, including blindness, left a legacy. He was a supporter of Guide Dogs of America and also made several trips to transport burn victims to the Shrine Burn Facility in Galveston, Tx. Mr. Asher also supported "Oklahoma Kids", a program that supported local Muskogee talent. They toured nine western states along Route 66, traveling to Santa Monica, Ca. Once there, the students performed at Pacific Palisades Park for an audience of 15,000. They performed the "Will of The Wind" in honor of Will Rogers. Mr. Asher was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Raymond and Sylvia (Clark) Asher of Tahlequah, OK, two brothers, Glenn Asher of St. Louis, MO and Raymond Asher of Creve Cour, MO, Mr. Asher's loving wife of 45 years , Colleen, Daughter Deborah Lynn Shiew of Muskogee, and a great-granddaughter Tommie Lynn Mariano of Muskogee. Mr. Asher is survived by his sister Nedra of Union, Mo., his loving and devoted children, Carmen and Sandy(Asher) Ferrino of Houston, Tx, Tom and Sherrye(Asher) Justus of Muskogee, Ok, Dr. and Mrs. Tracy (Deanna) Asher of Broken Arrow, Ok, and son-in-law Leonard Shiew of Muskogee, Ok. Other survivors include his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Lynne Hedges and son Clinton, Damon and Malinda Boston and children Curtis and Lahna, Mr & Mrs. Jacob (Cynthia) Mariano and children Laynnye, Jayccye, and Jacob, Brandy and children Jonathan, Samantha, and Abby, grandsons Jesse Justus and Adam Shiew of Muskogee, Dr. and Mrs. Brian (Marisa) Brazzo of NY, Marc and Jessica Ferrino of Austin, Tx, and grandson Chaphe Asher of Tulsa, Ok, and he is also survived by other numerous family members and friends. Mr. Asher will be remembered as a man of extraordinary integrity, kindness, and commitment to others. His life will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 15, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cornerstone Church at Locust and Cromwell Ave. in Muskogee. The service will be officiated by Minister Larry Ford with special comments from Mr. Asher's son-in-law, Carmen Ferrino of Houston, Tx. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Lion's Club, Shriners, or Cancer Center of America in honor of Mr. Dale Asher. Services will be 2 pm Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at Cornerstone Church. Funeral services will be under the direction of Foster-Petering Funeral Home.