Robert Dale Norfleet Sr

Robert "Dale" Norfleet Sr., 91, of Houstonia, Missouri, passed away Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center in Sedalia, Missouri. He was born January 24, 1935, in Sweet Springs, Missouri, the son of Frank Norfleet and Myrtle (Ringen) Norfleet, who preceded him in death.

On May 26, 1956, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Emma, Missouri, Dale was united in marriage to Dorothy Fay Bredehoeft. She preceded him in death on September 18, 2024.

Dale was a proud graduate of Houstonia High School, Class of 1953, and continued his education at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri. He later served in the Missouri Army National Guard. Returning home, Dale devoted himself to the family farm, raising row crops, cattle, and hogs, work he approached with steady determination and pride.

A man of many interests and deep community commitment, Dale enjoyed traveling with Dorothy, especially to Branson. He loved racing and first competed in go-carts before becoming the trusted mechanic for his son, son-in-law, and grandson Ryan in Micro Sprints and Sprint Cars. Dale also dedicated 30 years as a high school basketball official and had the honor of officiating Missouri State basketball championship games for the MSHSAA.

Dale's service extended well beyond the court. He served as a Director for the Federal Land Bank, was a Pettis County R-V school board member, a 4-H project leader, an Emma Co-op Elevator board member, and a Pettis County Soil and Water board member. He also served on the board of the Sweet Springs Motor Sports Complex and was a National Board Member of the NMMA. Faith was central to Dale's life, and he was a devoted member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Emma, where he served as an Elder, Trustee, Chairman of the Congregation, and on the Finance Board.

Dale is survived by one son, Robert Norfleet Jr. (Sharee) of Houstonia, Missouri; three daughters, Jennifer Schlender (Robert) of Sedalia, Missouri, Janna McQueen (Randy) of Sedalia, Missouri, and Janel Locke of Houstonia, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Rori Comstock (Scott), Mallory Norfleet, Ryan Schlender (Cindy), Meredith Beykirch (John), Matthew Locke (Jessi), Megan Underwood (Blake), Mary Paige Wilson (Andrew), Caitlyn McQueen, Morgan Locke (Cori), and Mason Locke; eighteen great-grandchildren, Marion and Tyler Comstock, Ainsley Schlender, Whitley and Hadley Underwood, Elliot, Tatum, and Astor Locke, Robert "Bo" Wilson, Dorothy "Dottie" Beykirch, Austin, Alec, and Ashley Sloan, Alyssa and Matt Hudson, and Alexus and Heston White; four great-great-grandchildren, Lucas and Cayden Sloan, and Reagan and Cambrie Hudson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Dale was preceded in death by a son, Ricky Allen Norfleet; a daughter, Cynthia Sue Norfleet; a granddaughter, Marissa McQueen; and a sister, Frances Runge.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Emma, Missouri, with Pastor Paul Rempfer officiating. The funeral will be live streamed on YouTube at Holy Cross Emma. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, at Rea Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow funeral at Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery, Emma, Missouri.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Ryan Schlender, Matthew Locke, Morgan Locke, Mason Locke, Scott Comstock, Blake Underwood, Andrew Wilson, and John Beykirch. Honorary bearers will be Janice and Gary Howard, Rick and Lonna Arnold, Clark and Larue Higgins, Robert and Sharon Gregory, David and Linda Brown, and Dean and Diane Ringen.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Emma, Missouri, or the Northwest Alumni Scholarship Fund, Hughesville, Missouri, in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.