John Truman Hale, skydiver "extraordinaire," made his final flight through the skies into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, March 13 surrounded by family after a lengthy battle with cancer.

John was born on September 27, 1931 in Gunter, TX to Paul Truman Hale and Inez Goodman Hale.

A 1949 graduate of Sherman High School, he continued his education at Austin College in Sherman and the University of North Texas until he entered military service in the Marines where he served in Korea from 1951-52. When he returned from Korea, he married his high school sweetheart, Melba Jo Smith. They were married for 69 ½ years.

After their wedding, John completed his bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts at the University of North Texas. Later in life, he would return to UNT to complete his master's degree in Education.

Upon graduation, he began his teaching career in Sequin, TX. He later relocated his growing family to Mesquite, TX where he continued teaching in Dallas ISD at both Bryan Adams High School and TC Marsh Middle School for more than 20 years. In the early 1980s, he moved his family to Garland, TX and accepted a teaching position in Garland ISD where he continued until his retirement in 1991. However, after his official retirement, he continued to teach in Rockwall, Rowlett, and Palmer until 2003.

He and Melba moved to Palmer, TX in 1998 where he pursued his passion for building by constructing his own free-standing garage/workshop, barn, and potting shed. In addition, he maintained a large vegetable garden and ten-acre hay tract.

A devout Christian, John was an active member of St. Mark Presbyterian Church since 1957 where he also served as a Deacon for several years.

An avid athlete, John completed 17 marathons including the 1975 Boston Marathon and the Pikes Peak Marathon. He also had a passion for skydiving, completing over 1000 jumps. Always determined to "take it to the limit," he began ultra-distance cycling completing the Hotter Than Hell 100-mile ride and the Roy Orbison Memorial ride along with many other cycling events.

In addition to sports, John enjoyed sailing, fishing, camping, and gardening. He could repair anything and spent much of his time keeping his home and cars in working order. Above all, he loved his family and spending time with them.

With love and admiration, we send him off on his final departure through the skies!

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert N. Hale; his infant son, James Casey; his infant daughter, Jennifer Kay; and his beloved dog, Rhett.

He is survived by his wife, Melba Hale of Palmer, TX; two daughters, Deanne Beachler (Harry) of Phoenix, AZ and Shelly Manriquez of Palmer, TX; one son, John Kelly Hale (Dianne) of Sherman, TX; grandchildren, Star Figueroa (Matt); Justin Hale (Tara); Justin Walston; Jamie Reason (Joey); Samantha Manriquez; Robin Manriquez; and Marcus Manriquez; 10 great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter; sister-in-law, Nelwyn Hale; niece, Marsha Stewart and nephew, Roger Hale (Donna) and multiple great nieces and nephews; cousin, Jim Jouvenat (Gail) and family..

The family would like to thank Kori, Randy, and Kim of Bristol Hospice whose compassion and care for John and our family went above and beyond our expectations.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Palmer

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. in DFW National Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, April 3, 2022 at Noon at St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 9999 Ferguson Road, Dallas, Texas.