E. Richard Hale

E. Richard Hale

7/26/30 – 11/21/24

Richard Hale passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, November 21, at home with his wife Joan “Joann” and one son, Rick, present with him. He was 94 years old.

Richard was born in Decatur, IL to Elmer and Florence Hale on July 26, 1930. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Tustin, CA. in search of work during the difficulties of the Depression. Richard grew up in Tustin until he joined the Navy at 17 years old where he served in Pensacola, FL for four years.

After his service, Richard returned to Tustin, CA and worked a few years for Douglas Aircraft. After a layoff at Douglas, he began his lifelong career as a journeyman pipefitter for commercial sprinkler systems. During this time, he met his foremen’s daughter and future wife “Joann”. They were married in Las Vegas, NV on November 17, 1956. They were the perfect couple, enjoying 68 years of marriage. 

Richard and Joan had four children: daughter Lori (who passed away shortly after birth), identical twin boys Ronny and Ricky, and daughter Susan.

Richard and Joan lived for 26 years in Costa Mesa, CA, afterwards retiring to Cedaredge, CO in 1990, and then to Montrose, CO in 2001.

Richard was a strong and hard worker – a responsible, “salt of the earth” type of person. Richard was easy-going, cheerful, self-sufficient individual typical of the era that he grew up in. Richard was respected by those he worked with and loved by his entire family. He was a true gift to all who knew him.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Florence, daughter Lori, his brother Clifford, sister Margie (Jerry), brother Hank (Wanda), sister Enid (Bert).

Richard is survived by his wife “Joann”, sister Linda (Dan), son Ron (Doris), son Rick (Julie), daughter Susan, grandchildren James, Maggie, Thomas (Lydia), Ashley, Connor, and many nieces and nephews. 

Services will be held in the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 3pm.