Elmer D. Hale, age 88, of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away December 7th at his home under the care of Village Hospice. Elmer was born in Grandview, MO to Melvin and Sarah Hale. He was married to his wife, Betty for 67 years and was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Bronson.
At the young age of 10, after the tragic death of his father, Elmer went to work at Byrd’s Drug Store and the local movie theater in Grandview to help support his Grandmother, Mother, and two sisters. After graduation from Grandview High School in 1948, he went to work at Sears Roebuck & Co. where he met his “mail-order bride” Betty Jean Hankins and they were married on January 28th, 1951. Preferring married life over his mandatory Navel Reserve meetings, he quit the Reserves but was subsequently drafted two months later into the Army where he served the next two years in Korea. After returning, he went back to work at Sears where he spent a total of 41 years in various management positions, the last 8 years in Omaha, NE. While working, he attended night school at Rockhurst University for seven years until he obtained his BA in Business Administration.
Elmer enjoyed helping people and was a dedicated coach and scout leader for his sons. As long as he had one of his prized “Craftsman” tools in his hands, he believed he could fix about anything…his mantra was always “give me a bigger tool and I’ll make it fit!”
Elmer was a lifelong member of the Community of Christ denomination, serving in numerous ministerial positions where he officiated over dozens of marriage ceremonies, memorial services, and other Church sacraments during his lifetime…a devoted servant to all and a stranger to none!
Elmer is survived by his wife Betty, of Lee’s Summit, MO; Sons: Mike (Debi) of Olathe, KS and Randy (Laurie) of Raymore, MO; 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; sister, Nellie Curtis of Virginia and many other extended family members all across the country.
Services will be held at the Lee’s Summit Community of Christ congregation, 1101 NE Independence Ave., Lee’s Summit, MO on Saturday, December 15th with visitation beginning at 12:00pm and memorial service at 1:00pm. Contributions may be made to the Lee’s Summit Community of Christ or Village Hospice.
