Donald E. Hale, 88 of rural Berwick, Illinois, passed away suddenly at home on the afternoon of Friday, October 2, 2020.
Don was born at home on February 29, 1932 to Homer E. and Lola (Taylor) Hale in Schuyler County, Illinois. He graduated from Rushville High School.
He married Wanda Joan Hetrick on September 7th, 1951 in Jerseyville, Illinois. He served in the Army as a Corporal during the Korean War. He was a Tank Driver in the 11th Armored Calvary, 2nde Battalion, Company D, stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After his military service, he and Joan returned to farming in Schuyler County, McDonough County and finally Warren County, while raising their three children.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Joan; their sons, Kirk Hale of Abingdon and Chris (and Dee Adcock) Hale of rural Abingdon; their daughter, Kathy (and Craig) Johnson of Alexis; his brother, Lloyd Hale of Rushville; two grandsons, Justin (and Mariel) Hale of Monmouth and Jeremy (and Patience Haahn) Hale of Abingdon; three great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Rubie Mae Trone.
A loving husband and father, he was a quiet man who was always willing to listen and offer sound advice to family and friends. Farming was Don’s lifelong vocation and he always kept busy working on something around the farm to improve the land, playing with his backhoe, working on equipment and his art. Later in life, he began creating ornamental iron sculptures, which he sold at craft shows throughout the state of Illinois, accompanied by Joan selling her jewelry. He truly enjoyed being out meeting new people and showing off his talents and being with family.
Private graveside service with military rites by the Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post#381 will be held Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at the Meridian Cemetery. Rev. Tom Smith will officiate. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Don was honored to be selected for the Honor Flight to Washington, DC in the summer of 2017 and in lieu of flowers, donations made to the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.
Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
