Obituary for Thomas J. Hale
Thomas (Tom) Hale passed away peacefully into the presence of Jesus at his home, Saturday, October 15, 2022. Tom was a man of strong faith and while he was not anxious to leave his family on earth, he knew this was not home and was anxious to be reunited with those awaiting his homecoming into Heaven.
Tom was born September 8, 1938 in Gosport, Indiana to his parents Bruce and Mary Ethyl (Daniels) Hale. Following school Tom enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy he learned to fire boilers and began learning engines and hydraulics. After being honorably discharged he went to work for DeLong Corporation which began a global career as a Jack Operator for offshore construction barges. He traveled the globe on projects as well as being dispatched to emergencies of offshore barges.
Tom married the love of his life Darlene (Orff) September 4, 1975, recently celebrating 47 years of marriage. They had many adventures together, traveling together and fulfilling their dream of building a log home deep in the woods.
Tom had many hobbies. He was a skilled horseman and had many horses throughout his life. He enjoyed horseback riding, buggy and wagon rides with their horses through the years. He was a gifted woodworker, meticulous in his work. In addition to building their log home, he also built a large barn on the homestead. He built many pieces of furniture for their home and as gifts to others.
Tom was a member of the Orff’s Corner Community Church. In addition to his service at church, he and Darlene volunteered at the St. Bernard’s Soup Kitchen ministry for years. He had a heart for helping others, particularly the elderly and young children. He was a faithful supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, two brothers Robert (Bob) & David, one granddaughter and two great-grandchildren. He was also predeceased by his two faithful companions; dogs Ivy and Molly.
In addition to his wife Darlene, his survivors include his children Dan (Jyma), Viki (Steve), Ann (Chuck), Valarie (Kevin) and Vanessa (Miguel). He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved deeply and created lifelong memories with. Tom is survived by a large extended family and many friends. Though he loved his family so well, when asked who Tom loved first it was always the right answer, Jesus.
According to his wishes, there is private family committal service. There will be a public Celebration of Life Service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate in Tom’s memory to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Hall’s of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences visit their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Tom was born September 8, 1938 in Gosport, Indiana to his parents Bruce and Mary Ethyl (Daniels) Hale. Following school Tom enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy he learned to fire boilers and began learning engines and hydraulics. After being honorably discharged he went to work for DeLong Corporation which began a global career as a Jack Operator for offshore construction barges. He traveled the globe on projects as well as being dispatched to emergencies of offshore barges.
Tom married the love of his life Darlene (Orff) September 4, 1975, recently celebrating 47 years of marriage. They had many adventures together, traveling together and fulfilling their dream of building a log home deep in the woods.
Tom had many hobbies. He was a skilled horseman and had many horses throughout his life. He enjoyed horseback riding, buggy and wagon rides with their horses through the years. He was a gifted woodworker, meticulous in his work. In addition to building their log home, he also built a large barn on the homestead. He built many pieces of furniture for their home and as gifts to others.
Tom was a member of the Orff’s Corner Community Church. In addition to his service at church, he and Darlene volunteered at the St. Bernard’s Soup Kitchen ministry for years. He had a heart for helping others, particularly the elderly and young children. He was a faithful supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, two brothers Robert (Bob) & David, one granddaughter and two great-grandchildren. He was also predeceased by his two faithful companions; dogs Ivy and Molly.
In addition to his wife Darlene, his survivors include his children Dan (Jyma), Viki (Steve), Ann (Chuck), Valarie (Kevin) and Vanessa (Miguel). He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved deeply and created lifelong memories with. Tom is survived by a large extended family and many friends. Though he loved his family so well, when asked who Tom loved first it was always the right answer, Jesus.
According to his wishes, there is private family committal service. There will be a public Celebration of Life Service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate in Tom’s memory to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Hall’s of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences visit their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.