Orville Thomas Hale

Orville Thomas Hale, 87, of Lebanon, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on November 27, 2025. Born on May 14, 1938, in Johnetta, Kentucky, to his parents, the late Delmar and Edith Owens Hale, the family moved to Lebanon, Indiana when Orville was 1 year old, where he grew up, and then proceeded to raise a family. Orville proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1959. Shortly after returning home from his service, Orville met the love of his life, Shirley Ann Paul. They were married on April 21, 1963, and the two quickly formed a bond that grew into a lifelong love story, and together they built the family that became Orville’s greatest pride. Their marriage endured for 62 years, marked by devotion, loyalty, and quiet strength. After his military service, he spent most of his working life as a truck driver. He was known for his reliability, strong work ethic, and steady presence on and off the road. A man of many hats—both figuratively and literally—Orville lived a full life shaped by experience and dedication. Orville enjoyed working on his 1932 Chevy coupe, playing cornhole, poker, and gold panning. In his younger years, he also enjoyed riding motorcycles. He was an avid painter, and art remained one of his favorite pastimes throughout his life. He especially loved taking his Chevy coupe out for rides with his wife and showing it at car shows, where the car became a shared point of pride and joy for both of them. He and his wife shared a deep love for traveling out West, especially to Arizona and Colorado, where Orville would gold pan while they enjoyed the scenery and peaceful beauty of the mountains together. A member of Hope Community Church, Orville lived his faith quietly but firmly. He was a devoted family man whose soft-spoken nature and steady character left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. His words were few, but they carried weight, and his presence brought a calm, grounded steadiness wherever he went. He will be remembered for his stories, his peaceful demeanor, and the sense of stability he provided to those around him. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Ann Hale; his children, Kellie Hale and Kimberly Hale; grandchildren, Brody McCulloch, Jared Woodruff (Taylor Casey), Cole Zarychta, Brayden (Chloe) Scott, and Jayden Scott; great-grandchildren, Ava Gleener and Emberlee Richardson; and his siblings, Densell (Ruth) Hale and Gladys (Bill) Ketrow, all of Lebanon, Indiana, Robert Hale of Burkesville, Kentucky, and Phillip (April) Hale of Anderson, Indiana. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delmar and Edith Owens Hale; his sister Elva Hively; and his sisters-in-law Nina Hale and Audrey Hale. Orville was most proud of his family—his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the life he built with his wife. Their accomplishments and closeness meant more to him than anything else. Family and friends are invited to gather, remember, and celebrate a life well lived. Memorial Services with Military Rites are planned for 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street in Lebanon, Indiana. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations made to the charity of your choice in Orville’s honor. Orville’s legacy lives on in the memories he leaves behind and in the lives of those who loved him.

Orville Thomas Hale

May 14, 1938 - November 27, 2025