Tony Hale (Seymour)'s Obituary
Ross Tony Hale, adored husband, father, grandfather and brother, peacefully departed this earthly life the afternoon of Monday, February 29, 2016, at his residence in rural Rogersville, Missouri. Tony, as he was known to family and friends, was ninety-one years, six months and eleven days wise at the time of his passing.
One of seven children, he was born Ross Tony Hale on August 18, 1924, in Gainesville, Missouri, to Charles Elbert and Mable Claire (Upton) Hale. On August 5, 1944, Tony wed the love of his life, Etta Marie Piland, and to this union two daughters were born. Marie and Tony shared over seventy-one wonderful years together. Tony was a devoted husband, father and provider. He worked outside the home, a carpenter and millwright by trade. Though Tony had limited formal education, his work ethic and talent in his trade promoted him to supervisor over the construction of two dams; Kordis Dam in Wyoming and Chief Joseph Dam in Bridgeport, Washington. Tony retired from the Carpenters Union in Springfield, Missouri, after fifty-plus years of faithful employment.
He was a jack-of-all trade, also well-versed in mechanical and electrical work. But Tony’s real passion was horses, cattle and farming. Marie and family called him a “True Cowboy.” He raised and bred Missouri Fox Trotters, broke his own horses, and raised his own cattle. He was also a proud, life-long member of North Star Masonic Lodge #168 in Wichita, Kansas.
Tony was proud of his Indian heritage, his grandmother having been born on the Trail of Tears in Butner, Missouri. He later honored that family history by riding in the Trail of Tears re-enactment. In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his beloved Marie on February 4, 2016; infant sister, Liddie Hale, and sisters, Pat Schaburg and Fern Bozone; and brother, Verl “Dutch” Hale. Tony is survived by his daughters, Paulette Hale of Independence, Kansas, and Rita and Robert Schwaller, who live between Eugene, Missouri, and Apache Junction, Arizona; two granddaughters, Shonda and Rev. James Newman, and Danielle and Rev. Brandon Hollis, all of Arkansas City, Kansas; two grandsons, Tony Michael and fiancé, Sandy Bush, and Jason and Amy Michael, all of Eugene, Missouri; seven great-grandchildren, Bodhi, Sloan and Greenly Hollis, Esmei Newman, Lauren and Alexis Michael, and Connor Michael and wife, Taylor; one great-great-grandson, Elijah; sister, Colleen “Bunny” and Elwood Quick, of Wichita, Kansas; brother, Joe and Eva Hale, of Ash Grove, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; and many more dear friends. Ross Tony Hale was a cherished husband, loving father and grandfather, and a loyal brother, friend and neighbor. Tony lived a life that set an example for his children and grandchildren. He was a Christian man and devoted in his faith. Family and friendship were very important to Tony. He was a man of his word. If he said he would do it, it would surely be done to the best of his abilities and with a Christ-like integrity.
Memorials may be made to White Oak Cemetery and left at the funeral home.
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