Cecil Tell Hale

Cecil T. Hale, 99, passed away peacefully from this life on Wednesday, August 31. He was born on July 3, 1923, in Reams, OK to William (WT) and Neva Pearl (Martin) Hale. He grew up in Reams, OK and attended Crowder High School, where he met his future bride, Fretta F. Scranton. They were married for 57 years, until she passed in 2003.

Cecil enlisted into the Army in 1943 and served nearly three years, much of which was under General George Patton’s command. He was in the 3rd Division Infantry and saw a lot of the world. While in the Army, Cecil was a Combat Infantryman – Sniper as well as a Platoon Leader spending many hours under fire.

During World War 2, Cecil served in Europe and the Mediterranean. He was at the Battle of Bulge with Patton, and also part of the ground forces at Normandy (D-Day) and Marseille France. He received several commendations including the Purple Heart.

After he returned in 1945, he and Fretta were married the following year in McAlester, Oklahoma. They were both saved and baptized in 1953 at the First Baptist Church of Savanna.

In 1947, Cecil worked at the Navy Ammunition Depot in McAlester until 1950, when he was called back into the Reserves for Korea. He was discharged in 1951. In April 1958, Cecil received a “reduction in force” and went to work at Tinker Air Force Base. He retired in 1977 after 19 years of service as a Transportation Driver. After retiring from Tinker, Cecil went to work for Mid-Del Schools in the Maintenance Department as well as a Janitor at Barnes Elementary. He retired from Mid-Del Schools after 9 years of service.

Cecil served as a deacon for many years in several different churches as well as working with the youth on outings to the lake and driving the church bus. He loved the Lord, his faith, and his country, all of which were very important to him.

Cecil met Violet Yearby, and they were married in 2005. They were married for 15 1/2 years, until she passed in 2021.

Cecil enjoyed spending time with his family, as well as spending time on his tractor. Cecil loved to go out to his place to mow grass and just enjoy nature. He had always been a country boy at heart. When asked what his secret was to living so long, his response was “I guess that the Lord just ain’t finished with me yet”. He never met a stranger, and loved visiting with others. He enjoyed reading and studying the Bible and going to the monthly Gospel and Bluegrass Concerts, especially the annual Seminole Gospel Sing every August. He also enjoyed attending the Midwest City Senior Center. Cecil enjoyed singing in the church choir and was an active member of First Baptist Church Of Midwest City.

Cecil was preceded in death by his two wives Fretta Hale and Violet Hale; Parents: William & Neva Pearl Hale; Brother: Sterlin Hale; Half-Brother: Utah Hale; Half-Sister: Dorothy Epperson; Son-in-law Joe Hibbs.

Cecil is survived by his Children Pauletta Hibbs of Choctaw; Bruce Hale (Darlene) of Oklahoma City; Michael Hale (Teri) of Vinemont, AL; Melody Hulse (Terence) of Midwest City; (10) grand children; (17) great-grand children; Step Daughter Debbie Stuart (Raymond); Step Son Sam Yearby (Mary) of Choctaw and their extended families. He is also survived by half brothers Jess Hale (Janie) of Vinita, OK

Roy Hale of Vinita, OK and Richard Hale of Howe, OK as well as half sisters Pauline Jerger (Fred) of Wiley, TX; and Mary Whilster of Welling, OK.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church Of Midwest City at 10:00 am on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Military Committal Service will follow at Arlington Memory Gardens in Oklahoma City.

Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the “Church Van Fund” at First Baptist Church Of Midwest City, 705 E Rickenbacker Dr, Midwest City, OK 73110 or the Midwest City Rotary Club-Veteran’s Memorial (Hale Senior Center’s Support), P.O.Box 10971, Midwest City, OK 73140.