Richard Dennis "Denny" Hale

Richard Dennis “Denny” Hale, age 81, of Decatur passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2023.  Denny was born in Tuscola, IL to Eugene and Dorothy Hale. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn; sister Cheri Little (Tom); daughters Debbie Eppen (Paul) and Erica Lindell (John); grandchildren Kelsey Butler (Joe) and Eric Eppen.

His family moved to Decatur when Denny was five years old. At age 15, Denny met Carolyn, the love of his life. He was a talented athlete who lettered in basketball at Stephen Decatur High School and then at McArthur High School from which he graduated in 1960. He was also an avid snooker player and frequented Tozer’s Pool Hall. He and Carolyn were married in Decatur in 1963. Denny graduated from Millikin University in 1965.

Denny worked in the oil business first at Atkins and Hale Oil and then as owner of Hale Oil Company. He also worked at the Decatur Fire Department as a firefighter and dive/water rescuer. Denny later became a Certified Financial Planner and Stockbroker working at Blunt Ellis Loewi; Magna Trust; May, Cocagne & King; Regions Bank; and Hickory Point Bank. Denny was active in the Boys and Girls Club, vice president of Millikin Alumni Board, and church – he was a member of Central Christian Church and a deacon at Glad Tidings Church.

Denny was caring, easy going, and a great listener. His great passions in life were people and sports.  Denny loved his family, friends, community, and God. He was a member of the YMCA from age four to 75. He was a member of Southside Country Club, Country Club of Decatur, and Forest Country Club in Fort Myers, FL. He was an enthusiast of handball, tennis, ping pong, scuba diving, golf, and running. He ran in many marathons including the Boston Marathon. He met with friends regularly at Harolds House of Donuts, Den Chili Parlor, The Lincoln Lounge, and The Wagon.

Denny was happiest at home or within a fifteen-minute drive from it. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed the heat of the sun on his face, being at home with his family, the camaraderie of his friends and community, a good nap on the couch, watching reruns of the Andy Griffith Show, going to the Y, a chocolate malt from Krekel’s, a window with a view, cooking and eating anything with potatoes – particularly mashed, playing sports with friends, and an iced cold Pepsi. 

Denny believed in eternal life, treating all people kindly, and that everyone should be a member of the YMCA.

A visitation and funeral will be held at 10 am and 11 am, respectively, on Tuesday October 10th at Central Christian Church (650 W William St, Decatur, IL) followed by a private graveside service for immediate family conducted by Edwards Funeral Home.

Those who wish to do so may designate contributions to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=2663&np=true