Thomas S. Hale

February 9th, 1954 - October 31, 2020

Thomas "Tom" Shuman Hale, 66 years old, passed away last October 31st, 2020 in his favorite chair doing something he loved most, napping and crocheting a blanket for a family member.

Tom was born February 9th, 1954 to Dillard and Eleanore Hale in Bakersfield, CA. He graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1972 then moved to Arizona where he attended the Devry Institute of Technology. After graduating from Devry, Tom worked in many fields including construction and customer service; he put his skills and knowledge in technology to use with Pacific Bell, and Occidental Petroleum Corporation before he started his career at Kern High School District where he was a Network Administrator for over 20 years.

Tom enjoyed being on the "approach" of a bowling lane or handling the microphone while calling out the money shots during Friday and Saturday night Rainbow Bowling. Traveling to or participating in bowling leagues/tournaments with his children was one of his greatest joys. He loved backpacking and biking as a younger man and fly fishing/camping as he grew older; the outdoors was a place that he always found peace in exploring. Tom also had hobbies of building computers, coaching baseball and music. He cherished spending his spare time with his family, weekends shouting from the stands at a baseball diamond, listening to music, playing his guitar and going to live shows. Among all of these things Tom also loved to crochet; there is so much peace to be found in that his last moments were spent doinq something he loved. He would often crochet blankets and scarves for his children and grandchildren. Tom was rough around the edges but he was also a kind, gentle and a loving role model that could always be trusted and counted on. He was never too busy to listen and give well earned and thought out advice. Tom had his ups and downs, as we all do but we can all find peace knowing that looking through his belongings over this past year we found notes and verses of interest scribbled into his Bible, in full hope that Tom found his Savior before passing.

Tom's passing is preceded by his father Dillard Hale, his mother Eleanore Hale and his brother Richard Hale.

Tom was survived by his three children Randy and wife Jenny Hale, Kevin Hale, Sarah and husband Matt McCormick. Along with Kevin and Sarah's mother Lori Hale, brother Ronald

Hale and his beautiful grandkids, Elexis Hale, Bryanna Hale, Adrian McCormick and Logan McCormick.

A time of gathering to say goodbye and lay Tom to rest will be held at noon on Friday, November 1oth, 2021 in the chapel at Hillcrest Memorial Park and a celebration of life to follow at Brooklyn's BBQ (3015 Calloway Dr, Bakersfield, CA).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Hale family.