James Hale

James E. Hale Sr., 77, of Thebes, Ill., died Friday, May 21, 2010, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born Oct. 13, 1932, in Gale, Ill., to Thomas M. and Susie M. Winemiller Hale.

He and Shirley I. Prater were married Feb. 9, 1955, in Thebes, Ill.

Mr. Hale retired from the U.S. Army on March 1, 1973, after 20 years of service. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

He worked for R.W. Britz in Divernon, Ill., as an industrial painter for more than 20 years.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley I. Hale of Thebes; one son, James E. Hale Jr. of Thebes; seven grandchildren, Jennifer L. Henderson; James W. Hale, Sarah M. Hale, Dylan J. Hale, Cody M. Burton, Devan W. Burton and Andrea D. Burton; two great-grandchildren, Triston B. Henderson and Jeremiah J. Hale; two sisters, Liz Watson of Beebe, Ark., Susan Baugher of Thebes; three brothers, Doc Hale of McClure, Ill., Larry Hale of Thebes; and Don Hale of Tamms, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one great-grandchild, Chloe Zinger; and four brothers.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Chapel in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Robert Kirby officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes with full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be given to Disabled American Veterans.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.