Dale Allen Sweet, 78, passed peacefully after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia, on January 30, 2025.  Through the years, Dale fought courageously in battling this disease.  He displayed strength & dignity until the very end.

He was born in Norwalk, Ohio to Carl and Marjorie (nee Comer) Sweet on June 10, 1946.  He graduated from Norwalk High School in 1964 and married the love of his life, Diana (nee Grimmer) Sweet, on November 4, 1967.  Dale and "Dee" had been a couple since the eighth grade!  He worked at Norwalk Furniture Corporation for 36 years, retiring in 2001.

In addition to working at Norwalk Furniture, Dale also helped his wife operate the Parkway Motel, located in Huron, Ohio, for 24 years.

They have two daughters, Julie Ann (John) Buntin, of Akron, Ohio, and Kristen Lea Sweet (Robb), of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, both of whom survive him.

Dale is also survived by his brother, David Sweet (Rita) of Findlay, Ohio; his sister-in-law, Nancy Pedley (William) of St. Louis, Missouri; his brother-in-law, Dennis McDonald of Norwalk, Ohio; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Diana, his parents Carl and Marjorie, and his sister Jane McDonald.

In 2014, Dale retired from all and sold his home in Huron and moved south to Punta Gorda, Florida, where he spent every winter until December 2023.  He immensely enjoyed his time in Florida, going to the pool every day.  Dale spent several recent summers with daughter Julie Ann & Son-In-Law John at their home, and most recently lived at the Vitalia Active Adult Community at Montrose in Copley, Ohio.

Dale had a passion for Standardbred Harness Racehorses.  With his wife by his side, they built a very successful breeding and racing business together for over 30 years.  Once Diana passed away, Dale's oldest daughter, Julie Ann, joined her father in the fun & excitement of harness racing.  Together they bred and raced many horses over the last 15 years.  Some of their best-known favorites include Neely's Messenger, who won Ohio Horse of the Year in 2014, Jogging Home, Joggingtothebank, Jogging Full Trot, and Dream Something.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, at 719 Dolan Lane, Lexington, Kentucky 40511 or the Lewy Body Dementia Association, at 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, Georgia 30047.

Cremation has taken place.  Funeral Services will be held at Walker Eastman Heydinger Funeral Home, located at 98 W Main St, Norwalk, Ohio 44857.  Visitation Hours will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 6, 2025.  Please join his family as we celebrate his life with a Memorial service on Friday, February 7th at 10:30 AM, at Walker Eastman Heydinger Funeral Home.  Interment will be at Woodland Cemetery will follow the service.