Bernal "Rusty" Hale

Bernal R. "Rusty" Hale, 61, a lifelong Springfield resident passed away December 7, 2010 after a courageous 2 year battle with cancer. Rusty was born to William "Red" and Imogene Hale on June 15, 1949.

Rusty was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Janice; brother, Bill; and brother-in-law, Walter Reid.

Rusty is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jeanne; his son, Scott of Springfield; and daughter, Jennifer Cobb and husband David of Kansas City; grandchildren, Ryan, Tessie and Ashley of Springfield, Eli of OK, and Madilyn and Aiden of Kansas City, and 6 great grandchildren; sisters, Marilyn Reid of Boise, ID and Debra Witt and husband Don of Protem, MO; Jeanne's brothers and sister and their spouses; 61 nieces and nephews and the Nathanial Smith family.

Rusty cherished his numerous close friends and greatly appreciated relationships developed with co-workers at O'Reilly Automotive where he spent the majority of his career.

Rusty's wishes were to be cremated and a Celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday, December 11 in the University Plaza Convention Center at 1:00 p.m.

Rusty loved animals and particularly those castaway so in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Castaway Animal Rescue Effort; P.O. Box 215, Aurora, MO 65605.

Online condolences can be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.