Jerry F. Hale, 69, of Brookston, died at 1:10 p.m. Thursday, September 16, 2010 in Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis. He had been in failing health for the last month. He was born September 23, 1940 in Trion, Georgia to the late Joe A. and Minnie L. (Blackwood) Hale. He attended Norwood Jr./Sr. High School in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Mr. Hale served as a Tank Commander with the 2nd Armored Cavalry in the United States Army from 1960 until his honorable discharge in 1964. His marriage was to Denise L. Sullivan on August 21, 1982 in Mt. Gilboa United Methodist Church in rural Benton County. She survives. Mr. Hale drove for numerous trucking firms including Mayflower in Marion, Indiana and Bob Wrede Trucking of Lafayette. Lastly, he drove for Miller trucking from 1993 until retiring in 2002. He was a member of the Chalmers American Legion and attended the Brookston Federated Church. He loved country music and was an excellent guitar player. He played backup in some Nashville house bands. He enjoyed fishing and poker and was an avid Indianapolis Colts fan. Surviving with his wife are three sons, Chris Hale (wife: Amber) of Lafayette, Alan Hale of New York and Daniel Riley (wife: Tracy) of Florida. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Jerry had a big heart and loved little children. His great sense of humor and infectious personality made everyone want to be around him. Preceding him in death are two brothers, Dallas and Billy Hale and four sisters, June DeLong, Sarah Tidmore, Shirley Carey and Patsy Bailey. Friends may call from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 3 p.m. Monday, September 20, 2010 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston. Rev. Dr. Lelan D. McReynolds will officiate. Interment to follow in Brookston IOOF Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Brookston Federated Church.