Donald Ray Hale

Donald Ray Hale, age 84, of Baton Rouge, went to celebrate with the Lord on December 25, 2023. He died peacefully in the arms of his loving wife of 61 years, Judith Netherland Hale, at their residence.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, December 30, 2023, with visitation from 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church – Baton Rouge, 529 Convention Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, followed by a service at 11:00 AM by Rev. Larkin Harris.

Don is survived by his wife, Judith Netherland Hale, his two children, Glen R. Hale and wife Maria of Prairieville, LA and Marci Hale Freeman and husband Dr. William T. Freeman also of Prairieville, LA and his sister Carolyn Hale Brewer and husband Robert of Heath, TX. He was lovingly known as Papa and the hero to four grandchildren Austin Ray Freeman and wife Louise of Broussard, LA, Jacob Thomas Hale and wife Lakelyn of Monroe, LA, Kimberlyn Marie Freeman Versak and husband Christopher of Pittman, NJ and Samantha Hale Temple and husband Matthew of Sterlington, LA and one great granddaughter Amelia Ray Hale.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Ollie V. Patrick and Benjamin Franklin Hale and sister Brenda Lou Hale, of Monroe, LA, and his in-laws, John Henry (Jake) Netherland and Marie Ford Netherland of West Monroe, LA

Don was born on July 11, 1939, in Monroe, LA. He was a proud Neville High School Tiger and 1955 State Champion in Football and Baseball. He served his county from 1958-1964 as a US Marine. During that time, he served in Southeast Asia as a Sea Going Marine on the USS St. Paul. After his honorable discharge, Don attended night school at Northeast University, graduating in 1968 with a Batchelor of Science in Business and in 1972 with his Master of Business Administration. In 1968, Don began his career working in Marketing for Louisiana Power and Light (LP&L) in West Monroe, LA. In 1978, he was transferred to New Orleans and ultimately Baton Rouge, to work as the Executive of Governmental Affairs for Entergy where he retired in 2004.

Don served as a previous President and Governor of the West Monroe Civitan Service Club. While working, he served as a Louisiana Association Business and Industry (LABI) Charter Member, Lobbyist, and Entergy Council Chairman. He was a past chairmen of the Louisiana Electric Utilities Association and Investor-Owned Co-op Electric Utilities.

His love for serving his country continued through volunteering in the US Marine Corp League where he previously served as Commandant and Chaplin. For 16 years he volunteered at the Veterans Administration Walk in Clinic serving on the donut detail, St. Vincent de Paul, and the clothes closet at First Baptist Church.

He faithfully served the First Baptist Church, Baton Rouge as a Deacon, past Chairman, and Trustee. He loved singing in the sanctuary choir and Senior Adult Young at Heart choir.

He enjoyed serving on the Board of Directors and as a past Secretary and Treasurer for the Friends of Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge in St. Francisville and served on the White Lake State Game Reserve Board. He was a member of the Audubon Birding Society and attended LSU Night Classes.

Don loved God, family, and his country and raised his family to continue in his legacy. He was a wonderful, loving husband, a best friend and confidant to his children. The grandchildren saw him as their hero whom he taught his favorite hobbies of golfing, deer, duck, and turkey hunting at Hale’s Haven on Cat Island. They fondly remember the traveling vacations and the “Papa trips” which always ended with ice cream.

Judy request that everyone wear red to the service as it was Don’s favorite color, or at least something bright and cheerful.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church – Senior Adult ministry or Music Ministry.