Walter Hale

at age 89. He was preceded in death by his parents, Artye Belle Brevard and Walter Madison Hale. Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife of 65 years, Diane Highland Hale and their three children: daughter, Kimberly Clark (Stephen Clark) , two sons: Mitchell Hale (Jennie Hale), and Randall Hale (Estella Hale). Six grandchildren survive him: Caroline Clark Rohr (Michael Rohr), Alexander & Megan Hale, John Paul, Natalie, &Tyler Hale and three great grandchildren: Sophia, Diana, and Patrick Rohr. Also survived by sister-in-law Lenore Highland Tasker and nieces and nephews.

Walter (Elmo) was born in Houston on March 27, 1932, attended Austin High School where he played football and later was a cheerleader. He graduated from the University of Texas in Austin in 1954 with a BBA degree. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Then, during the Korean War, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. His primary duty assignment was with the 437th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron in Oxnard, California. He completed his active military service as a First Lieutenant in 1957, and later a Captain in the Air Force Reserves. In 1956. he married the love of his life, Diane Highland, whom he met on a blind date in 1954.

In August, 1957, he joined the Shell Oil Company at Shell's Houston Refinery. He had assignments in Shell's E & P Organization, Pacific Coast Area in Los Angeles; Bakersfield, CA; Southern region in New Orleans; and head office in Houston. He retired from Shell in 1987.

Elmo was proud of his Texas heritage. In 2000, he published a history of the Hale and Brevard families beginning in England in 1575, and in France in 1665, with reflections on his own blessed life. It is a treasured remembrance to our family. He loved his children, and was a very devoted granddad. Elmo was the person you could always go to for advice, very caring and understanding. He was a loving and generous husband, and everyone loved his sense of humor. Always, he was a true gentleman! Elmo was a lifelong Longhorn fan and enjoyed attending football games with a long-time group of friends. He was a voracious reader, and enjoyed traveling and cruising in his retirement years.

Pallbearers are Randall Hale, Mitchell Hale, Alexander Hale, John Paul Hale, Stephen Clark, and Tom Ryan.

The family would like to thank The Buckingham, particularly nurse Esther Muthoni for their compassionate care. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on January 27th at 10:00 A.M. at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1801 Sage, 77056, followed by a reception in the Parish Life Center. In lieu of flowers, for those desiring, memorial contributions may be directed to Catholic Charities, 2900 Louisiana, Houston, TX 77006.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Hale family.