He was born November 25, 1935 in Childress, Texas to Francis and Elsie Hale.
He lived much of his childhood in Umbarger, Texas, where he helped out at Snooky’s Bait and Tackle at Buffalo Lake. He worked at H&H Sporting Goods on 3rd and Arthur for about 20 years before becoming half owner of it and moved to the Canyon E-way. After the death of Dub Hyso he became the soul owner and moved to W. 10th St. for about 10 years before going out of business. Don was an Army Surveyor for many years and was honorably discharged after he served his country. He loved eating home cooked meals. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners always became a competition to see who could eat the most, He always won. Don was always planning his next hunting or fishing trip, that was his true happy place in life. He was an honest, kind and caring man. If you didn’t want to hear the truth, it was best not to ask. Don married Nelda Bristow in 1956 divorcing in 1969. He then married Paula in 1974 until her passing in 2008. Don met Dolly in January of 2009, they soon married in February 5, 2009 in Temple Baptist Church. Together they spent 12 wonderful years together. In the last few years his dementia overtook him in many ways, but he was happy. Don enjoyed hunting and fishing. Every May he and Dolly would take the motor home to the lake spending quality time together. He loved the Lord and was a very dedicated member of Temple Baptist. He taught men’s Sunday School Class for 20 years. In 2017 he retired from Red Wing after working there for 20 years. All of Don’s close friends called him "Turtle", for those who knew him understand the story behind the nickname.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Paula Hale, and one son, Gary Don Hale.
Don is survived by his loving wife Dolly Hale; daughter Tina Louise Gregory; granddaughter Angelia Elayne Murillo; two great-granddaughters Haley Mackenzie Woodard and husband Nathan plus Miracle Joy Murillo; one great-grandson, Jackson Wayne Hale; one great-great grandchild due in July 2021; two step daughters Diana Coburn and husband Ronnie, Janet Brooks and her significant other Roy Finken; grand-son Dawson Trevor Simmons, grand-daughter Jaden Don Brooks. Don was considered a gift from God and will be truly missed by both family and friends.
The family would like to Thank Ussery-Roan and Open Heart Hospice for their love and care.
