George Michael Hale

George Michael (Mike) Hale, age 79, of Warrensburg, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Mike, as he was affectionately called by his family, was the second child born to George and Dorothy Hale.

Mike grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. He attended Annunciation Grade School then continued his studies at St. John’s Seminary. Feeling called to the priesthood, Mike spent two years in theological studies at Conception Abbey; however, he decided to leave the novitiate life and join the U.S. Marine Corps. While serving his country in Vietnam, Mike’s self-taught talent in photography was put to use by the military in reconnaissance missions. After his military service, he returned to Kansas City where he started both a family and his non-secular education, pursuing a graduate degree in physics. Mike received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri in Kansas City and a master’s degree from the University of Missouri at Rolla. He held various jobs throughout life, including several years at the Bendix Corporation (AlliedSignal) in the 1970s to 1980s. Mike humbly ended his working career as a church custodian. After moving to Warrensburg for retirement, he became an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Mike had a passion for camping and took his three children on several camping trips to explore the country. In addition to photography, Mike loved teaching and writing. In his later years, he drafted a hobby newsletter that he would send to family, and he frequently created photo postcards to mark events. He also enjoyed taking walks with his wife, tinkering with computers, and a good game of charades.

Mike leaves behind his devoted wife of 33 years Wanda, in addition to his daughter Pamela, his two sons David Matthew (Matt) and Stephen, and his two grandchildren William and Meredith. Mike also leaves behind three brothers and four sisters. He is preceded in death by his parents and his older sister Sharan.

Visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00am on Saturday, October 7, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am, in St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, 8941 James A. Reed Road, Kansas City, MO 64138. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, MO 64138.

In lieu of flowers please plant a tree in memory of Mike through the Arbor Day Foundation.