VERNER RUSSELL HALE

Verner Russell Hale 12/12/32 to 1/28/10 In the early morning hour of January 28, 2010, Verner Russell Hale began his eternal journey from this life. His wife and grandson were by his side at his home while he passed peacefully. Verner, called by family and friends as Russ, was born on December 12, 1932, in Russell Springs, Kentucky. He attended Russell Springs High School, and shortly after was employed with a furniture company in Ohio. After a year there, Russ joined the Navy where he was stationed in Moffitt Field, California. He served in the Navy from 1952-1960, and his service included on ships U.S.S. Boxer, and Bon Homme Richard. It was while stationed at Moffitt Field that Russ met the love of his life, Geraldine Hartman, and they were soon married on October 1, 1954. They had a loving, successful marriage of 55 years. One daughter was born to them, Vicky. They moved to Salinas, California, in 1960, and there lived until 2006 when they retired and moved to Twin Falls, Idaho. Russ became a licensed roofing contractor and while living in Salinas, California, was owner-operator of Hale Roofing Company for over 20 years. He also was co-owner of R & J Janitorial service for commercial buildings. Russ enjoyed restoring various Ford Mustang automobiles. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, astronomy, woodworking, creative cooking, and music, especially Country and Rhythm & Blues. Russ was a member of the Moose Lodge in Salinas, California, and also enjoyed various bowling leagues. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Russ knew him to be a kind, loving, gentle, and generous person. Russ is survived by Geraldine (Geri) Hale, his wife; Vicky and Leroy Myrick, daughter and son-in-law whom they call son) 'Bryan Myrick, grandson; 0llie Lathel (Smokey) Hartman, Jr., brother-in-law; Ruby Jean York, Linda Antle, and Colleen Ward, nieces; Tracy Hartman and Harlan Hartman, nephews; as well as many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Francis and Valeria (Sullivan) Hale; father and mother-in-law Ollie Lathel and Virgie Bell (Goldston) Hartman; sisters Rubino Jane Lawhorn, and Frances Shoulders; granddaughter Jennifer Lynn Myrick; brother-in-law Woodrow Lawhorn, and Benjamin Hartman; sister-in-law Patricia Hartman, and Betty Hartman; as well as niece and nephew Debra Faye Shoulders, and Bruce Wayne Shoulders. The immediate family have planned a small private gathering at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home in Twin Falls, Idaho. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial offerings be made to Hospice Visions in Russ's name, at 209 Shoupe Ave. W., Twin Falls, ID 83301