Obituary: Dale Weaver, Longtime Arkansas Law Enforcement Officer

Weaver, 80, was recognized for his exceptional career solving cold-case murders before his passing.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Dale Weaver, an 80-year-old resident of Ash Flat, Arkansas, passed away on February 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Weaver had a long and distinguished career in law enforcement, serving as a police officer, investigator, and sheriff over four decades before retiring in 2010. In his later years, he focused on training, mentorship, and solving cold-case murders, credited his faith for his remarkable success.

Why it matters

Weaver's obituary highlights the dedication and impact of a career public servant who made significant contributions to law enforcement and his community over many years. His work solving cold cases brought closure to grieving families and demonstrated the ongoing value of experienced officers, even in retirement.

The details

Weaver began his law enforcement career in 1981 as an officer for Cave City, Arkansas. He later worked for Independence County as a patrol officer and criminal investigator, and in 1988 helped create and lead the 16th Judicial Drug Task Force, the first of its kind in Arkansas. Weaver was elected sheriff of Sharp County in 1998, serving eight years before retiring in 2010. However, he continued working part-time for Fulton County, focusing on training, mentorship, and cold-case investigations. In this role, Weaver solved multiple unsolved murders, crediting his faith for providing the wisdom to accomplish what often seemed impossible.

  • Weaver was born on October 10, 1945 in Cave City, Arkansas.
  • He served in the Army from 1966 to 1968, including time with the 101st Airborne and Mechanized Infantry Division in Germany.
  • Weaver began his law enforcement career in 1981 as an officer for Cave City.
  • He was elected sheriff of Sharp County in 1998, serving until his retirement in 2010.
  • Weaver passed away on February 7, 2026 in Ash Flat, Arkansas.

The players

Dale Weaver

An 80-year-old resident of Ash Flat, Arkansas who had a long and distinguished career in law enforcement, serving as a police officer, investigator, and sheriff over four decades before retiring in 2010. In his later years, he focused on training, mentorship, and solving cold-case murders.

Cheryl Jones

Weaver's wife, whom he met while working at Auvil's Fruit Company in Washington and married in 1969.

Arkansas House of Representatives

Recognized Weaver with a citation in 2024 for his remarkable career in law enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“He always credited his Heavenly Father for giving him the wisdom to accomplish what often seemed impossible, calling Him his best partner.”

— Dale Weaver

The takeaway

Weaver's exceptional career and dedication to solving cold cases, even in retirement, demonstrates the ongoing value of experienced law enforcement officers and the power of faith to guide one's life and work.