Charles Edgar Hale

On July 20, 2010 Charles "Ed" Hale passed away peacefully in his sleep at his residence in Pocatello, with his wife of 65 years by his side. He was born at home on July 9, 1924 in Ellis Prairie, Missouri to Thomas Alfred and Charlotte Farley Hale.

He lived, hunted and played in Missouri with his parents and four siblings until the death of his father. He was only eight when his father died but he had many strong happy memories of his years on the "old home place" with all his many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

When his mom re-married his family relocated to Idaho where he completed his schooling and lived until he was drafted into the army during WWII. He served his country in North Africa where he took amphibious training for the Invasion on Normandy Beach, but was sent to Northern Italy instead. He served in the European African Middle Eastern Campaign from 1943 through 1945 where he earned three Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and a WWII Victory Medal.

Upon his return to Pocatello he met and married the love of his life Ireta Mae Misner on April 6, 1946. Several of their early married years were spent in Yellowstone where Ed worked at his favorite job as a logger. They eventually moved back to Pocatello where he worked at the gun plant until it closed. He then began working at Associated foods where he was employed and loved by all his Co-workers until his retirement in 1986.

Ed and Ireta had three children Sharon, Tom, and Alan. They were very family oriented and made sure the kids were busy hunting, fishing, boating, water skiing, and snowmobiling. Not only did Ed make sure his own kids had fun, he made sure every stray kid in the neighborhood had fun too. Especially the "adopted" kid from the neighborhood, Robert Miller. As their kids grew up and started having their own families Ed and Ireta continued the tradition of fun with their own grandkids. Ed was very close to all his grandkids and they all know how very lucky they were to have him as their grandpa.

There are no words to describe the good humor, light, cheer, and quiet wisdom he brought into our lives and how very much he will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Ireta; his daughter Sharon (Bill) McSpadden, his son Tom (Eddie) Hale; his son Alan (Nancy) Hale. He is also survived by his grandkids Toby, Brandy, Zig, Jason, Jimmy, Nick, Hez, and Andy, as well as numerous great grandkids. He his preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Bob and Buck.

Memorial Services for Ed will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday July 24, 2010 at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel 510 N. 12th Ave. Military Rites will be provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard. Arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel.