Charles Richard Hale moved from this life into the arms of Jesus on May 31, 2009 after a lengthy illness. His graveside funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 7457 W. Lake Road under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 5:00 7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 S.
Charles was born on September 2, 1936 in Maud, Oklahoma to O. B. and Nina Brooks Hale. Although he was born in a small town, he had big city aspirations and joined the military just after graduation from Maud High School. While the military took him to many places all over the world, after being assigned to Dyess A.F.B. in January 1970, he soon considered Abilene to be his home. He retired at Dyess A.F.B. as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1980 with 26 years of service. His daughter and sons always said that those KC135s and B-52 bombers were like his childrenhe dearly loved those airplanes. He made a life career of the United States Air Force and also had a lengthy career with LockheedGeneral Dynamics. He embodied the character of the Air Force by living his life with integrity and respect for all those around him. He married Velda Williams of Wolf, Oklahoma and they had 3 children. In February 1987 he married the love of his life, Olline Ketchum Morris of San Saba, TX. They enjoyed his retirement traveling in their motor home to many destinations including his first military assignment Spokane, Washington; He loved to attend any sporting event but especially loved those that any of his kids or grandkids were playing in. His love for the Cooper Cougars Football Team was well known to anyone that sat around him at the games. He only gave up his season seat after his health kept him from going.
Charles is survived by his wife, Ollie Hale of McKinney, TX; a daughter Laura Gary Harris of North Richland Hills, TX; a son Alan Laurie Hale of Canadian, TX; a son David Paige Hale of Abilene; a stepson Jimmy Shawna Morris of Frisco, TX; and a stepson Kael Morris of McKinney, Texas. He had 15 grandchildren and 4 great- grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Inez Hale Bowers, and his oldest grandson, Christopher Harris.
While the man we all knew and loved was lost to us in March of 2000, he continued to inspire us all with his love of Christian music and could even speak Thai, although he had lost most of his ability to speak English. He was truly an amazing man. He will be dearly missed.
Visits: 12
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors