LA JARA —  Dale Lavern Cornum was born on Aug. 16, 1935 in La Jara, to Lucille Engler and Parley Cornum. 

He lived his entire life in La Jara and graduated from La Jara High School in 1953. He joined his father at Cornum’s Welding while still in high school at the age of 14. 

His reputation as a welder was known throughout the San Luis Valley. 

On Aug. 16, 1958, he married DeAnn Cornum and later they were sealed for all time and eternity in the Mesa, Ariz., temple along with their three children. 

Dale was an avid hunter and fisherman, there wasn’t very many times in his life that he didn’t catch his limit of fish or come home with his hunting license filled.   

He loved being in the mountains and spent as much time at his cabin as he could.   

Dale is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bruce, and his son Curtis.

He is survived by his wife, DeAnn; his son, Kirby (Karen) Cornum; and his daughter, Pamela (Justin) Rhoads; all of La Jara; eight grandchildren, and three and half great- grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Monday, Feb. 3 from noon until 1:45 p.m. at the La Jara Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

A funeral service will follow at the church beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will follow services in the Sanford Cemetery. To express condolences, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com.

Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa is in care of the arrangements.