Robert Hale of Jackson Springs, formerly of Titusville, FL, was born on July 24, 1931 in Little Rock Arkansas to Joseph Mathias and Lillian Owen Hale. He departed this life on March 1, 2021 to be reunited with his loving wife Joan; in time for them to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on March 3, in heaven.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, daughter-in-law Donna Lanae Hale, grandson Robert Hale Woelfel, and great-grandsons Everett and Otis Daniels.
Left to cherish his memory are children Jacqueline (Michael) Woelfel of Humble, TX; Thomas (Trina) Hale of Cocoa, FL; Janet (Bobby) Chenman of Virginia Beach, VA; and Mary Hale and Robert’s grandson Ethan of the home in Jackson Springs.
Robert grew up in Little Rock where he was involved in Boy Scouts of America and was President of the Methodist Youth Ministry at Winfield Methodist Church.
After graduating high school, he attended the University of Mississippi, “Ole Miss” where he majored in English. While there he was the President of the Methodist Student Union. He also joined the ROTC program which led him to serve in our military.
He entered the United States Marine Corps as an Officer. While serving he met his beautiful bride-to-be, Joan Mary Yersevich. They wed on March 3, 1956, in St. John’s Catholic Church in Freeland, PA. Even after her death, she remained the love of his life.
As their family grew they moved around the country; Oceanside, CA; Washington DC, Manassas, VA, Huntsville, AL; and finally settling in Florida, on Merritt Island. This was a dream come true for him, to live in Florida and be a part of the Space Program at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). They raised four children who in turn gave them 24 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
Robert was a very accomplished writer and all-around wordsmith. After leaving the Marine Corps he worked as a technical writer and editor for JITCO in DC, Ling, Tempco, and Vought (LTV) Corporation and Brown Engineering (now Teledyne Brown) at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL, Pan Am at KSC, the Navy and the Army. He was also a member of the Society for Technical Communication.
He had a deep sense of community and service which led him to be involved in many organizations such as: Boy Scouts of America (as a scout in his youth) and later as a BSA Leader; Federal Order of the Eagles; the Knights of Columbus; the VFW, the National Rifle Association, and he also volunteered with the Titusville Police Department’s Citizens on Patrol (COPs) program.
Robert was a hardworking and steadfast provider. He was a living example of an upright “good man,” a caring, loving father, and a truly devoted husband.
He loved his God, his Country, his family, and never stopped loving his precious wife.
Although we miss him deeply, we are encouraged knowing that he is now reunited with our mother enjoying his reward in heaven.
Online condolences may be made to www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes.
