Dale Wayne Dobson, 66, of Hodgenville, passed away Monday, July 27, 2026 at Baptist Health Hardin.
DALE WAYNE DOBSON
Dale was born May 17, 1960 in Hodgenville, KY to Wayne Edward and Anna Lee (Tucker) Dobson.
Dale was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Dale enjoyed farming and keeping everyone aware of the safety needed to help all farmers large and small.
Dale Dobson dedicated his life to serving Kentucky’s agricultural community through an unwavering commitment to farm safety, rescue, health and hope. As the founding member and longtime Director of Farm Safety and Rural Health, Dale spent more than three decades working to protect the lives and well-being of Kentucky’s farmers, farm families, and first responders.
Known for his compassion, humility and servant leadership, Dale believed that every farmer deserved to know they were appreciated and never alone. His nationally recognized ‘Power of a Handshake’ initiative inspired meaningful conversations about mental health throughout rural America. During his career, he personally distributed 3,369 challenge coins as symbols of hope, appreciation and support.
Dale’s work changed—and saved—lives. His efforts contributed to 21 documented suicide interventions, while 32 individuals personally shared that Raising Hope had significantly improved their mental or physical health or had ‘saved their life’. Through education, outreach, and trusted relationships, his leadership also helped achieved an estimated 75% reduction in Kentucky’s annual average farmer suicides, from approximately 50 per year to 12, leaving a lasting impact on countless farm families.
Under Dale’s leadership, Raising Hope grew into a nationally recognized model integrating farm safety, emergency rescue, preventative healthcare and mental health outreach. His vision continues to influence programs across the country and will serve future generations of agricultural communities.
Dale’s greatest legacy is not found in the programs he built, but in the thousands of lives he touched, the hope he restored, and the reminder he gave every person he meets: “You Are Appreciated.” His compassion, dedication, and love for Kentucky agriculture will continue to inspire all who knew him and the many whose lives are safer, healthier, and more hopeful because of his service.
His legacy will live on in every handshake, every life saved, and every farmer who knows, they are never alone.
In the words of Dale always remember “Life is Good!”
Besides his father, Dale was preceded in death by his niece, Brittany Dobson.
Dale is survived by his wife, Debra Lea (Woodall) Dobson of Hodgenville, and his mother, Anna Lee Dobson, also his son Bobby (Shanna) Dobson of Hodgenville, daughters Hillary (Chad) Logsdon and Michelle (Michael) Gibson of North Carolina. He has 6 grandchildren; Gage Logsdon, Brylee Dobson, Laynee Dobson, Sophie Logsdon, Matthew Gibson and Miles Dobson. Also to survived by 2 special friends, Patty Holbert and Cheryl Witt.
Funeral services for Dale Dobson will be 1 p.m.. Saturday, Aug. 1 at the First Baptist Church, Tonieville Road, Hodgenville.
Visitation for Dale will be from 2 to 8 p.m.. July 31, 2026 and 9 a.m.. until time of service Aug. 1 at First Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers donations needs to be sent to the Dale Dobson Memorial Scholarship fund that will be held through the Central Kentucky Community Foundation.