Christopher "Chris" Hale

Christopher “Chris” S. Hale, 42, of Brookston, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.

Born February 23, 1984, in Lafayette, Chris was the beloved son of Denise (Sullivan) Hale and the late Jerry Hale. He attended Frontier High School and later found his calling behind the wheel as the proud owner operator of Hale Yeah Xpress. He loved trucking, a long stretch of road, good music, new routes, calling friends and family from the cab, and honking the horn to bring smiles to faces along the way. 

Chris married, Amber Jackson, on October 11, 2008. Together they built a life centered on their daughter, Emma Grace. Amber and Emma were everything to Chris. A tall, gentle giant with an easy way about him, Chris could talk for hours with anyone.  He didn't know a stranger.  He loved spending time with his family and friends, whether he was playing cards, gaming online, playing a game of pool or just hanging with his close circle of friends. He was a gifted musician who loved to sing and was a town favorite on the Apple Popcorn Festival stage.  He was a devoted Purdue fan and a true lover of classic country music. It seems only fitting for him to have passed away on the birthday of one of his favorite artists, George Jones.

Chris was proud of Brookston and loved supporting its small businesses. He was especially proud to have a menu item named after him at one of his favorite spots. He was a devoted member of Brookston Federated Church and a beloved town treasure whose absence will be felt far beyond his own family.

Chris is survived by his loving wife, Amber; his cherished daughter, Emma Grace; his mother, Denise Hale of Brookston; his cousin and best man, Troy Tidmore of Albany, Kentucky; his maternal grandmother, Darlene Sullivan of West Lafayette; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Hale; his brother-in-law, Michael Dennis Jackson; his maternal grandfather, Dawson Sullivan; and his paternal grandparents, Joe A. and Minnie Lee Hale.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the Federated Church of Brookston. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the church, and officiated by Pastor David Doles and Rev. Dr. Lelan McReynolds. Interment will follow in the Brookston Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chris Hale Memorial Fund at The Fountain Trust Company.