Howard H. Hale

Bluefield, WV - Howard H. Hale, 97, of Bluefield, W.V. died at this home on Wednesday, March 4th, surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Bluefield, West Virginia on March 8, 1917 where he was a lifelong resident. He was the son of Wiley Witten Hale and Anna Lula Cash Hale. Howard retired from Bluefield Supply Company after 45 years of service. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church since 1955 and was an active member of his Christian Action Class. He participated with service projects as a member of the Bluefield Civitan Club for over 60 years. Howard was a member of the Riley – Vest Post 9 of the American Legion. Anyone that knew Mr. Hale would be aware of his enthusiasm for the Bluefield Beavers and the West Virginia Mountaineers teams. He was a supporter of the local baseball club, attending many games over the years, for both the Orioles and then the Blue Jays. He enjoyed sharing his box seats with family and friends. Mr. Hale served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, where he obtained the rank of staff sergeant. He was stationed in the Pacific Ocean Theater and served as a ball turret gunner on a B24 Liberator. After 28 missions in the New Guinea, North Solomons, Bismark Archipelago, and Western Pacific campaigns he returned safely home to serve his family and community. Florene Hale, his wife of 59 years, precedes him in death, as well as a sister, Evelyn Jackson, and a brother, Leonard Hale. Survivors include his daughter, Patricia Taylor and husband Peter; his two Granddaughters, Ashby Perkins – and husband Zane of Wytheville, Virginia; Virginia Taylor of Winston Salem, North Carolina; two Great Grandchildren, Zane Anthony Perkins and Halen Taylor Perkins, of Wytheville, Virginia. Howard will also be missed by his nieces, Joyce Davis and husband Rodney of Athens, Georgia; Mary Jane Pattisall and husband Richard, of Roanoke, Virginia; Margaret Colabella and husband Tom, of Lebanon, Virginia; Frances Potter and husband Tom of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Joy Lynn Kerekes of California. Due to the support of special friends Mary Hall, Brenda Williby, Kathy Perry, and Linda and Jimmy Krondon, Howard was able to remain in his home until his death and was provided friendship, companionship, kindness, and quality care. Friends may join the family at Trinity United Methodist Church, on College Avenue in Bluefield, West Virginia at 1:00pm on March 7th for the visitation, and to celebrate the life of Howard Hale with a service beginning at 2:00pm at the church with Rev. Susan Rector and Dr. Don Scott officiating. Interment and military graveside rites will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Bluefield, VA. Pallbearers will be David Kersey, Larry Morhous, Conner Litton, David Taylor, Ed Davis and Pat Haye. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to Trinity United Methodist Church 401 College Avenue Bluefield, WV 24701 or Hospice Compassus 1330 Mercer Street Suite 1, Princeton, WV 24740. Those wishing to share memories or e-mail condolences may do so by visiting www.mercerfuneralhome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Howard Hale.

Howard H. Hale

March 8, 1917 - March 4, 2015