December 12, 1955 – February 27, 2026
Dale Francis Cain, 70, died on February 27, 2026, of grade IV glioblastoma. During his last days he was surrounded by family and friends.
Dale was born in Lafayette, Ind., on December 12, 1955, to Charles Robert and Edna Elizabeth Schroeder Cain. He graduated from North Montgomery High School in Crawfordsville, where he was salutatorian.
He attended Purdue University, earning a B.S. in general management/marketing in 1978 and a B.S. in building construction technology in 1984.
He worked for a short time as an air traffic controller and then had the distinction of being fired by then-President Ronald Reagan in 1981, an event that only strengthened Dale’s lifelong liberal convictions.
He spent 24 years as a project manager on various construction projects around the U.S., including the Tallahassee International Airport terminal, the Utah Jazz Delta Center, a saki factory in Colorado, and the Pavilions in Lafayette. He then became a certified welding inspector, which he did for 12 years, until his diagnosis in January 2025 with grade IV glioblastoma.
He married Mary Elizabeth Scheuth in 1996 and they dissolved their marriage in 2008.
Dale’s pride and joy were his children, Patrick Robert Cain (Katie Schneider) and Kayleigh Renee (Nicholas) Stiffler, and his grandchildren, Kaden and Wesley Stiffler. He loved being a father and grandfather and poured his heart and soul into that calling. He was also a wonderful uncle, teaching his niece, Stephanie, how to play frisbee, appreciate rock music and football, and to look for the tornado instead of hiding in a safe space.
Dale loved rooting for Purdue sports and the Cubs, watching The Weather Channel, and being on the golf course. He was a devout Catholic.
Dale is survived by his children and grandchildren; his brother, Roger Cain, and sister-in-law Janice Cain; his niece, Stephanie Cain; and many close cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Caroline; and best friend, Timothy Clouser.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Burkhart Funeral Home, 201 W. Wabash Ave., Crawfordsville, Ind., with graveside services following at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Oxford, Ind. Please feel free to wear Cubs or Purdue attire.
The family would like to thank the enormous care team of health professionals, family members, and dear friends who accompanied us on Dale’s journey.
Condolences: burkhartfh.com