- Date Of Birth: September 23, 1943
- Date Of Death: June 28, 2022
- State: Indiana
Gary K. Hale, age 78, formerly of Lafayette, IN, and Fort Smith, AR, passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at The Springs at Lafayette. Gary was born September 23, 1943, in Covington, IN, to the late James and Geraldine Hale. Raised in Jeffersonville, IN, he graduated from Jeffersonville High School in 1961. He was class president for three years and was a standout in baseball and basketball. Gary received a basketball scholarship to North Carolina State University, having been recruited by Everett N. Case. Gary earned both his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Education. August of 1963 Gary married his high school sweetheart, Donna L. Bottorff. They shared 58 years of dedication, mutual respect, and unwavering love. Upon graduation from college in 1967, Gary was proudly commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the US Army. He served three years, including one tour in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, and the Army’s Air Medal while serving in Vietnam. He left the military as a Captain in January 1971. Gary spent 37 years in industry working in human resource roles. He held HR positions within TRW Inc. and Rheem Manufacturing, Inc. He retired from Rheem in 2008 after serving as Vice President of Human Resources. Gary loved his family, playing golf, and riding his Harley Davidson. He is survived by his wife and sons Christopher Hale (wife Melissa) of Lafayette and Jason Hale (wife Tammy) of Alabama; his grandchildren Austin, Aidan, Jaidyn, and Mackenna Hale; his brother James Hale (wife Linda) of Indianapolis; as well as a niece and nephew.
