Halbert "Hal" Sherman Fanning Jr.

In high school, he lettered in football and baseball, played in the band and orchestra, sang in the men’s glee club and was a member of the student council.

He graduated from Southwest Missouri State University in 1947, with a business degree.

His college education was interrupted from January 1943, to February 1946, while he served in the U.S. Army. At the time of his discharge he was a tech Sgt. Assigned to Headquarters Company ASFTC, camp Crowder, Mo.

After military service and college graduation he worked for J.C. Penny Co. and was assistant manager in Kilgore, TX, when he resigned to pursue another career.

He moved to Odessa in 1960, and was the owner of Fanning Insurance Agency when he retired in 1986.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nell, who died in October 2001, and by a brother William.

For many years Hal was a member of the Odessa Life underwriters association. He served on the board of directors for that organization and, at one time, was the secretary.

One of Hal’s greatest pleasures came from umpiring little league baseball. He umpired for several years in Missouri and for 10 years in Odessa.

He and his wife were great MOJO fans. Every Friday night for 30 years they were at the game whether here or out of town.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hal found much joy, happiness and spiritual comfort. He enjoyed every opportunity to be involved in service. He taught classes for both old and the young. He went with the missionaries as often as possible. He attended the Temple at every opportunity and found peace and comfort within the Temple walls.

After retirement, Hal and his wife traveled the United States and abroad. They saw many beautiful and exciting places but were always glad to return to their many friends and large family in Odessa.

Many poems came to us as Hal wrote of family, nature, life and of course, God, Christ, spiritual living and eternity. He belonged to the Permian Basin Poetry Society, and the West Texas Writer’s Association. In 2013 he published a book of poems and short stories.

Hal loved his large family and, even though he could not remember all off their names, he could tell you how many grand, great grand and great, great, grandchildren there were.

Until recently, Hal cooked brisket for the family and his Christmas “goodies” were always in demand. He also made cookies for the family and his neighbors at Christmas and Halloween.

Hal was known by some of the grandchildren as “Grandpa Turtle.” There were always several turtles in the backyard. At one time, the count was 40. He said they were great pets because they did not disturb the neighborhood with loud barking.

He really enjoyed working the yard and was very upset when he became unable to care for it.

He was never uncomfortable around strangers and could carry on a conversation with anyone.

Hal loved living and did not like the thought of leaving this world. Yet, as he said in the closing of his book,” there is a longing within me to return home to see what God and Christ have in store for me in the eternities.”

He is survived by his children and their spouses: Suzanna Kay Fanning Ballintine, Steven Russell Fanning, Fairus Coye Whetstone, Laurel Dale Vore (Steve), Wendy Lynn Linde, Alan Clay Pitt (Aileen), 18 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren and 42 great, great, grandchildren and 1 great, great, great grandchild.

There will be a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 4, 2013 at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2013 at Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.