Robert "Bob" Hale

Robert (Bob) Hale, 73, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at 1:35 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11th, 2019 at his home in Bonita Springs, Florida after a brief battle with cancer.

Bob was born in Beardstown, Illinois on July 1, 1946 the son of Everett E. and Florence J. Hale, who preceded him in death. Bob is survived by his wife Deborah Hale of Bonita Springs, Florida. In addition, Bob is survived by three sons, Douglas Hale (wife Kerry) of Carver, MA, Bryan Hale (wife Kerri) of Rochester, MA, LTC Douglas Ross (wife Donna) of Fort Irwin, CA; a brother Richard Hale (wife Garnett) of Grayson, KY; six grandchildren, Jessica (husband Matt) Pharo of Eau Claire, WI, Ashley Sisco of Clarksville, TN, Christopher Sisco of Apopka, FL, and Alexis Mary, Everett Anthony and Cheyann Rita Hale all of Rochester, MA.

Bob was a 1965 graduate of Beardstown High School and proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps from 1965-1969. After his service Bob began working for Continental Grain Company in Beardstown, eventually earning the title of Assistant Vice President. Bob’s tenure with Continental Grain Company lasted from 1969-1999 when the company was sold to Cargill, Incorporated. Bob continued his employment and dedication to helping the American farmer with Cargill, Incorporated until his retirement in July of 2008. He was a 53-year member of BPO Elks Lodge #1007 in Beardstown. Bob loved all sports, coached Little League Baseball in Beardstown and was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. Fresh water fishing, especially for crappie, was the sport he loved the most. Bob never met a stranger.

Private family services were held. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to The Beardstown Baseball Association, Illinois Elk’s Children’s Care Corporation, or Pleasant Plains Historical Society, all in c/o Colwell Memorial Home, 515 S. State Street, Beardstown, IL 62618. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.