Dale Tipken

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Ledale “Dale” Tipken. He was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on April 28th, 2026, in Norman, Oklahoma, surrounded by his family and many friends. We are comforted in knowing he is now completely healed.

Please join us for a celebration of life on May 16, 2026, from 1:00 P.M. ~ 3 P.M. at The Venue at Freedom Farms, 4701 N Porter Ave, Norman, Oklahoma 73071. Please bring any memory or story you would like to share.

Dale Tipken, 63, of Shawnee, was born December 8th, 1962, in Okemah, Oklahoma, to Donna and Joe Don Tipken. From a young age, one thing was for certain, Dale loved to work. From humble beginnings, he built a life he was proud of, he was especially proud of his daughter, Sommer, who was the apple of his eye. He was highly motivated and a self-made man, never hesitating to share his wealth of knowledge to others. He lived by the quote “see a need, fill a need”, a true testament to the kind of man he was. He provided a wonderful life for his family, was an incredible husband, father, provider, mentor, and friend. He was one of a kind and we will all miss him terribly.

A trailblazer in the utility contracting world, he owned and operated Central Contracting Services for over 26 years. His true love and passion was ranching. He was a steward of the land, beginning Tipken Land and Cattle in 2010, a successful black angus cattle operation spanning across three counties. He loved to drive the property and admire his herd. Dale had an eye for things and he knew how to make the land look good.

Anyone that knew Dale knew he was always there to lend a hand; he was a fixer. He had a generous heart and a no quit spirit. His memory and legacy will live on. Dale’s final resting place will be among the green pastures of Tipken Land and Cattle, his favorite place to be. His was truly, a life well lived.

He is survived by his wife, Sherrie; daughter, Sommer Yancey, her husband Ryan, and grandpuppy Denali, of Shawnee; step daughter, Cassie Cawyer and her children, Oliver and Ethan of Edmond; his mother, Donna Roundtree, of Okemah; great-nephew, Chance Tipken and his wife, Makayla, of Edmond; and sisters, Jill Smock and Denise Fuller.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Don Tipken; nephew, Joe Dale Tipken; and his sister, Jolene Tipken.

The family would like to thank Davita Dialysis, of Shawnee, for the amazing care they provided. They would also like to extend a special thanks to Hussein Torbati and the staff at Classen Family Medicine.