Joseph J. Hale

Joseph J. Hale, 88, of Princeton, IN went home to be with the Lord on September 6, 2023, after a long fight with dementia.

He was born December 9, 1934 in Princeton, IN to the late Jessie and Callie Hale. Joe served 4 years in the U.S.M.C. and returned home in 1957 after being injured in Japan. He met his loving wife of 66 ½ years the summer of 1957. Together they brought 3 children into the world; Joe “Kris”, Kathy and Keith. Joe was a previous member of First Baptist Church for many years.

He had many hobbies that he loved. His fondest memories were fishing and hunting with his dear friends, Darrel and Marlin Sollman. He also enjoyed rabbit hunting and running his beagle dogs. Joe’s greatest joy and passion was his garden. Many people enjoyed stopping and visiting him, but he enjoyed sharing his produce with many people more. Joe worked for N & S Railroad for 36 years, and loved sharing that love with his grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in death by his great granddaughter, Maria Rodriguez, his parents and 3 brothers, Jessie, John and Frank.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Hale, his 3 children, Kathy (Keith) Block, Keith Hale and Kris Hale; 9 grandchildren, Lindsey Rodriguez, Bryan Munnier, Kyle Hale, Kirsten (Josh) Moser, Kameron Hale, Jennifer Hale, Christopher Hale, Dixie Hopkins, and Julie Block; 8 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren; a sister, Shirley Cowling; and 2 brothers, Frank Hale and Paul (Elaine) Miller.

The family would like to thank Transcendent Healthcare for their care of Joe the last 2 ½ years, and Compassus Hospice during Joe’s last weeks.

Memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church, 800 West Faith Blvd., Princeton, IN 47670. Envelopes will also be available at Colvin’s.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 pm on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, with Pastor Jim Saunders officiating. Interment will follow at the Columbia White Church Cemetery in Princeton, with full military rites provided by the Retired Military Veterans. Visitation will be held from 10:30 am until the hour of service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be made online at www.colvinfuneralhome.com. The Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton is honored to serve Joe’s family.

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