Gilbert Dean Hale, 86, of Clay City, IL. passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at his residence.
He was born October 31, 1936, to Gilbert E. and Eleanor (Shipman) Hale in Clay County IL.
Gilbert served in the United States Army in Europe, farmed, and worked in the oilfield.
“In 1965 he married Phyllis Caldwell and began working as a heavy equipment operator through local 841. He was known as the best Gradall operator in the Tri-State area”. He also served as auditor for 841 as well as several local positions, including Clay County
Democrat Precinct Committeeman and Stanford Township Supervisor. He enjoyed gardening and raising cattle.
He is survived by his son Joey (Kristin) Hale of Clay City, IL.; two grandchildren Nichole and Jesse; two sisters June Kuenstler of Olney, IL, Betty Devlin of Manhattan, KS, and a brother Donny (Susie) Hale of Nashville, TN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Phyllis, two sisters Judy Burt and Barbara Lister, and his step grandfather Aden Mosley, two nephews Johnny Ray Murbarger, Jim Devlin, niece Melody Caldwell, great-niece Kensey Pond, and great-great-nephew Kash Barnfield.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 2pm at Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home.
A private burial will be held later.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com.
Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL