Thomas Sherman Hale

Thomas Sherman Hale was born August 19, 1922 in Fort Collins, Colorado - 15 minutes before his twin sister Margaret (Jean). Tom passed on May 20, 2014 at his home in Downey, California. Tom grew up in Colorado and Wyoming on various family farms. As a young man he served in the Cavalry for two years and later served 4 years in the Marine Air Corps in the South Pacific during WWII. When Tom returned from service he obtained his engineering degree at Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa. After college he went on to enjoy a rewarding and successful 26 year career at North American Aviation. He played an instrumental role in the success of the Apollo Space Program. After retiring from North American in 1977, he went on to enjoy a “second” career volunteering at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. Tom spent 32 years assisting countless patients by designing and creating devices and tools to help patients with specific challenges and needs. Tom was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Downey, serving for many decades. Tom is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marjorie Marie, his sons Tom, Dan, Don, daughter Ann Laher, as well as 8 grandchildren – Kristi Halenkamp, Hollynn Mattson, Danny Hale, Andrew Hale, Alec Hale, Abby Laher, Elena Hale, and Hannah Laher, and 2 great-grandchildren Noah Ramon and Madison Halenkamp. He is also survived by his sister Daisy Gorduyn of New Mexico.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Rancho Los Amigos Foundation and/or First Presbyterian Church of Downey would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements under the direction of Miller-Mies Mortuary, Downey, CA.