SFC David Hale, United States Army, Ret.

David Hale was born November 21, 1921 in Burnsville, Mississippi and passed away May 16, 2012 at a Temple, Texas hospital, at the age of 90.

David proudly served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theater, including combat in the Philippines. He was retired for medical reasons after fourteen years of service, at the rank of Sergeant First Class.

Interment services were held on May 18 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders and fifty American Flags lining the roadway at the committal shelter.

The United States Army Honor Guard carried the flag draped coffin from the hearse to the shelter, and the Riders formed a line of American flags along the front of the shelter during the service and the military honors.

Hospice Chaplain Judy Hoelscher conducted the service.  She spoke of David's life, military service and his family.  She sung "I"ll Fly Away" and "How Great Thou Art" and led the gathered family and friends in The Lord's Prayer. She read from  scripture,  John 14 verse 2, and said the final prayer.

The Army Honor Guard rendered full military honors.  The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Army bugler played taps.  The flag that draped the coffin was folded into a tight triangle and passed to  an Army Non-Commissioned Officer.  He presented the flag to Jewell, David's dear wife of 64 years, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his years of honorable and faithful service.

SSGT David Hale was then laid to rest on the gentle plain of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff at the top of the hill in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, three daughters, three sons and a host of other dear family and friends.

With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.