Dave Hale

Longtime auctioneer Joe David "Dave" Hale died late last month. Hale, 75, was an interesting character who had many interests, including auctioneering, horses and exotic animals.

Hale's obituary, which ran in the Dec. 2 Southeast Missourian, listed many accomplishments, including his auctioneering career that began while in high school. Later, he and his brother started the first airplane auction at the Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport. He also worked as a farm machinery dealer, bred quarter horses and had an interest in exotic animals. He imported some of these animals from other countries. Additionally, Hale served as a partner for the Fruitland Livestock Auction barn.

Hale had an eight-camel hitch that participated in several fairs and parades, including the Orange Bowl Parade in Miami, among other places.

The longtime Cape Girardeau County resident will be missed by many, including his wife of 52 years, children and grandchildren.

If you haven't done so already, we encourage you to read Hale's obituary. His list of accomplishments is impressive.