Robert “Dale” Johns

Robert Dale Johns, known throughout his life as Dale, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of August 9, 2026, at the age of 88. He was not alone, but surrounded by care and companionship, and he left this world peacefully.

Born December 13, 1937, Dale was the son of Fern Johns and V. E. (Vibert) Johns and brother to Gale Johns. He made his home in Amarillo, Texas, where he built a remarkable life and career.

Dale was an artist at heart. He loved art in its many forms, and for much of his life, his most celebrated artistic medium was hair. His exceptional talent as a hairstylist earned him state and national recognition and ultimately carried him from Amarillo to the world stage.

In 1968, Dale earned a coveted position in the U.S.A. Olympic Hairstyling Team, representing the United States at the World Hairdressing Championships in Vienna, Austria. His career included top honors in competitive hairstyling, and he would later be remembered as a world champion, a two-time member of the Hair Olympic Team, and a team trainer.

Dale was also an entrepreneur who owned and operated several businesses in Amarillo. His artistic talents extended beyond hairstyling; at one of his businesses, he painted a mural himself—a fitting reflection of a man who found joy in creating and in making the world around him more beautiful. His skill, imagination, and determination carried him from the Texas Panhandle to the international stage, but his accomplishments and awards tell only part of his story. Dale was, above all, an artist—and for much of his life, hair was his canvas.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Fern and V. E. (Vibert) Johns, and his sister, Gale Johns.

He is survived by his son, Bobby Johns (Robert Dale Johns Jr.), and daughter-in-law, Shari, of Dallas, Texas; his grandsons, Austin and Wyatt Johns; his nephews, Ronny and Martin; his niece, Lisa; and extended family, friends, former colleagues, and clients whose lives he touched during his long and remarkable life.

From Amarillo to Vienna and home again, Dale made his mark. When his long life came to its close, he was cared for, he was at peace, and he was loved.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Route 66 Historical Society in Dale’s honor @ Historic 6th Street on Route 66 Association. https://amarillo66.com