Dale "Dude" Chitwood, 101, of Olton, died Monday, January 19, 2026, in Lubbock.  Viewing will be from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Ramage Funeral Directors, in Olton. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Olton Cemetery, with Mr. Anthony Watt officiating. A reception will be held immediately following the graveside service at The Haven in Olton.

Dude was born January 9, 1925, in Tillman County, Oklahoma, to Robert and Myrtle (Wiley) Chitwood. He graduated from Olton High School in 1943. From 1943 to 1946, Dale served in the United States Navy before returning home to Olton. He married the love of his life, Jolene Bryant, on December 25, 1947, and they shared more than 70 years of marriage before her passing in 2019. Dale spent over 40 years of his life farming and working the land he loved.

Known to many as "Dude," Dale enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to drive, collecting coins, woodworking, and riding his motorcycle. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Olton Golf Course and enjoyed his many trips to visit with friends at the Dairy Queen. Above all else, Dude cherished his family and the time spent with them.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jolene Chitwood; his brothers, Rex Chitwood and wife Katie, and Jack Chitwood and wife Martha; and his sister, Wanda Parsons and husband Jim.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sons, Joe Dale Chitwood and wife Susie of Canyon, and Monte Chitwood and wife Cindy of Ransom Canyon; his grandchildren, Misty Watt and husband Anthony, Lacey Ainsworth and husband Jeff, Cecily Jackson and husband Jeff, and Kendall Moore and husband Bryce; and his eight great-grandchildren, Noah, Taylor, Payton, Allie, Harper, Bailey, Lawson, and Rhett.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Olton Volunteer Ambulance Association PO Box 1087 OIton, Texas 79064 or the Olton Cemetery Association PO Box 1055 Olton, Texas 79064.