Elmer D. Hale
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Elmer D. Hale, 76, of Flat Rock, IL, died October 1, 2021, surrounded by his family following a short battle with cancer. He was born July 8, 1945, in Lawrenceville, IL, the son of Ruby (Sissle) Hale. His early years were marked by hardship, and as a young boy, Elmer relied on the benevolence of his neighbors before finding a home with his foster parents, Tony & Mary Hill. A 1963 graduate of Lawrenceville High School, he was eventually drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He would go on to proudly serve his country as a radio telephone operator and infantryman in the 4th Infantry Division from 1967 to 1969. Over the course of his service, he saw heavy action and earned an Army Commendation Medal, two Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart for distinguished acts of heroism in the face of danger and adversity.
Mere words cannot and do not convey the selfless dedication it takes to sacrifice oneself for their country. We are humbled by his tenacity of spirit and recognize that Elmer represented the very best of who we are. We thank God for him and that his 76 years with us were but the beginning of life eternal.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Hale; by his two sons & daughters-in-law, David & Kara Hale (Robinson, IL) and Ryan & Waleska Hale (Bellville, IL); by his two daughters & sons-in-law, Lisa & Jay Jacobs (Robinson, IL) and Laura & Dan Gallion (Robinson, IL); by his grandchildren, Nicole & Jerry Wilson, Emily Paddock & Billy Sears, Evan Hale, Addy Paddock, Julia Gallion, Payton Gallion, and Skylar Hale; by his great-grandchildren, Brylee Sears and Rolland Wilson; by his cousins, Janet & Randy Ammons (Knoxville, TN) and Gwen & Mike Lauderdale (Evansville, IN); by his brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Verl & Carol Sanders (ND), Elwin & Ann Marie Sanders (GA), Karlette & Bernie Morgan (Casey, IL), Byron & Kim Sanders (Oblong, IL), and Roberta Quinn (Robinson, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Hale; by his foster parents, Tony & Mary Hill; by his brother, John Hale; and by his father-in-law & mother-in-law, Robert & Pauline Sanders.
A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5th, at the Flat Rock United Methodist Church. A Masonic service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday and will be followed by a funeral service conducted by Celebrant Curt Goodwine. Military rites will be accorded by the combined units of the U.S. Army, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132.
Memorial contributions may be made to "Pine Haven Christian Children's Ranch" or "Oblong Children's Christian Home", with envelopes available at the church. For more information, or to share a memory or condolence online, please visit www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com.