Col. Edward McGowen Hale, 92, entered into Heaven on March 2, 2013 surrounded by family after a brief illness. He was born February 21, 1921 in Dallas, Texas to Iva and Louise Hale. Throughout his life Hale was a man committed to country, family and God.
Hale was the proudest member of the Fighting Texas Aggie class of 1943. He graduated Texas A&M University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. His passion for education and for Texas A&M continued through his support of multiple Corp of Cadets scholarships and educational opportunities for students that otherwise would not have been able to attend college. He also began an Aggie legacy that several members of the family followed. He was active in the A&M Alumni Association and regularly attended the Houston Chapter weekly lunch meetings.
His dedication to country began as he and a number of young Aggie men left their academic pursuits in order to help in the American efforts in war. He proudly served in WWII in the 383rd Infantry Regiment as an officer. After active duty he served in the Army reserve where he retired as a colonel in 1981. He was an active member of the Military Officer’s Assoc. and also served as a military representative for the ROTC awards program until his late 80s.
After active duty Hale was employed by Exxon for 43 years as a geophysicist and after retirement was active in the Exxon Retiree’s Club. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 0594.
Before leaving for war he married Betty Jane Davis on July 19.They were married for 58 years and raised three wonderful children and were proud grandparents to five grandchildren. As a young father he was very active with Boy Scout Troup 76 and Epworth - Parker United Methodist Church where he served as a scout master for many years and an active participant. His dedication continued as he served many years as a Sunday school teacher for children and adults and served on multiple committees. He also was a member of the choir and enjoyed playing dominoes every Saturday with the Game Day group and was a member of the monthly dance group.
In January of 2005, he married Joyce Lindler and began a new chapter in his life which included traveling, the symphony, theatrical productions, and Lindler Foundation Bingo.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Gregory Allen Hale, first wife Betty Jane Hale, and sister Jerre Harrell. Those left to cherish wonderful memories include his wife, Joyce Lindler Hale, daughter Debbie Hale Lyles and husband Rev. Tommy Lyles, son Spike Hale, daughter- in-law Barbara Tomek and husband Jay, step son Joel Goode and his wife Lynn, brothers Chester Hale and wife Evelyn, David Hale and wife Melba, nephew Jerry Harrell and wife Denise, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews. PawPaw is also survived by seven grandchildren: Phillip Hale and wife Jennifer, Suzanne Herrington and husband Douglas, Amy Toland and husband Jerry, Katy Marie Lyles, Nathan Hale Lyles, Owen Goode and Andrew Goode, and four great-grandchildren: Riley Hale, Bennett Hale, Brody Toland, and Caroline Herrington. Services will be Wednesday, March 6, at Servants of Christ United Methodist Parish, 3827 Broadway @ Park Place and I-45, Houston, Texas. Visitation begins at 10:00 am, Service at 11:00 am. Reception following. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Servants of Christ United Methodist Parish, A&M Cadet Corp Scholarships, or Charity of your choice.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18